Skip to content

Bazaar, not Bizarre

The annual Three Rivers Senior League Holiday Bazaar happened on a rainy day. This might be the third year in a row, which isn’t really bizarre. I am not complaining – the rain is always welcomed in this part of the world. Central California feeds the world, and it requires irrigation to grow all that food, which requires snow in the mountains.

three rivers memorial building in the morning rain

This is what I saw when I pulled up in the morning. I never did make it outside to see what was under those tents. Hardy folks, those artists!

oil paintings on display in art fair booth

Since I set up the night before, I was greeted by this sight. Well spaced, missing a banner that says “cabinart” because the pole was sort of falling apart. Lots of space for people to enter and not get trapped by a hungry pushy saleswoman/artist. That wouldn’t be me. I am not hungry, pushy, or a saleswoman. Sigh. Perhaps I should learn how to be. Never mind. I’d rather paint. (I was a little hungry – forgot to eat breakfast that morning!)

outside the 3 Rivers Mem. Bldg.

Because I was set up, it gave me time to admire the view out the windows.

Creekside Yarns booth at the holiday bazaar

I was so pleased to have Creekside Yarns as my booth neighbor. They were pleased also, because I offered them the backside of my screens, hooks for hanging, and help hanging their merchandise. If I wasn’t such a disciplined artist, I would spend most of my daylight hours at Creekside Yarns. That is my favorite form of procrastination. They are my favorite shop. Knitting is my favorite thing to do outside of work. Happy sigh.

Nikki Crain at her loom

This is my friend and former drawing student, Nikki Crain. She is a weaver of awesome ability, an artisan extraordinaire, a first-class fiberist. (I just made that word up because I was on an alliterative role, sort of) Look at those trees!! She has the best booth space.

Three Rivers Holiday Bazaar

There was steady traffic, but the booths were seldom crowded. This gave lots of opportunities to really converse with the folks who stopped by. The Three Rivers Holiday Bazaar is one of the easiest shows that I do – close to home, set up the night before, one day only, not very expensive, well attended by people sincerely interested in Christmas shopping who are friendly and intelligent. This seems like it should be a common thing, but the more shows I do, the more I appreciate this little event, here in Central California in the rainy autumn foothills. Happy sigh.

p.s. All the calendars sold. I ordered 8 more, and they are now all spoken for. (Yes, Jon and Ralph, you are on that list!)

2 Comments

  1. Aw shucks, Nikki. I treasure our friendship, and will never forget the shock at meeting you for the first time after hearing your name for a few years and thinking you were probably in your 80s! 😎

  2. Jana, You captured the essence of the Holiday Bazaar exactly! It was a fun day and I, too, consider it one of my favorite shows of the year. Thank you for your kind remarks. Being your student was an experience I treasure.


Comments are closed for this article!