Austin’s Blue Genie Art Bazaar Hosts 17th Annual Central Texas Holiday Tradition
Bazaar Brings Together 200 Local, Regional Artists for Family-Friendly Shopping
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, (BGAB), an annual four-week holiday arts and shopping event, will return on November 24th to 6100 Airport Boulevard, across from the ACC Highland Campus. This marks the 17th year for the Bazaar which showcases one-of-a-kind handmade gifts made by nearly 200 artisans and craftspeople. Opening the day after Thanksgiving, the Bazaar runs seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with the exception of December 24th, when it closes at 6 p.m.).
BGAB is committed to giving back to the Austin community with “Make-A-Wish Mondays,” where 10 percent of that day’s profits are donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas. Last year, BGAB raised over $6000 for the foundation. In addition to “Make-A-Wish Mondays,” the Bazaar will have a variety of special nights throughout the four week show. Tuesdays are Craft Nights with interactive demos by Austin Tinkering School (11/28 and 12/12, 5-8 p.m.) and Austin Creative Reuse (12/5 and 12/19, 5-8 p.m.), and Wednesday evenings feature live music from local artists (11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20).
Visitors to the Bazaar will have the opportunity to hear from participating artists on Thursdays during Artist Nights or to catch a holiday film selected by Vulcan Video on “Holiday Film Fridays” (12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22).
Blue Genie Art Bazaar is also participating in the “1 Great City, 4 Great Art Shows” campaign that promotes BGAB, East Austin Studio Tour, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and Cherrywood Art Fair. As a part of the campaign, guests can pick up a “passport” at any of the participating art shows for free. Guests who visit all four shows with their “Passport to Art” and get it stamped will be entered into a grand prize drawing.
“We are excited to kick-off another year of the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. The community and artists embraced our new location last season, and we’ve been working hard to make the space even better this year along with introducing range of new programs such as Craft Nights and Holiday Film Fridays,” Dana Younger, BGAB co-founder.
BGAB offers free admission, free parking, and a hassle-free shopping environment. New this year, valet service will be available on Saturdays, Sundays and Friday, November 24th (opening day). The cost for optional valet service is $5.
Founded in 2001 by the principals at Blue Genie Art Industries, the Bazaar has grown from a small East Austin gathering to one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions. “Whether your budget is large or small, you’ll find something – we take pride in having a little bit of something for everyone,” says Kevin Collins, BGAB co-founder.
About the Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a creation of the principals at Blue Genie Art Industries and takes place in Austin, Texas, annually from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Founded in 2001, it was originally held at the Blue Genie Art facility in east Austin. Starting as a lark among artists and friends with approximately 15 participants, BGAB has grown annually while gaining recognition for supporting the local arts community and regional small businesses. Blue Genie Art Industries is a proud 2014 inductee into the Austin Critics Table’s Austin Arts Hall of Fame. More information can be found at bluegenieartbazaar.com or follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
(Images and article courtesy Blue Genie Art Bazaar)
