No middleman here—arts fairs mean a direct line from you (the eager shopper) to the local artisan (the happy-to-help entrepreneur). These holiday events bring hundreds of options together under one roof—or tent—and offer New Mexican-made presents with gas-saving convenience. You won’t find this stuff at Kmart.
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Albuquerque Bead Renaissance Show beadshow.com Expo New Mexico (300 San Pedro NE)Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.FreeFor the lover of handmade jewelry on your nice list, consider adding this bead-tastic event to your agenda. Modrall Sperling 26 th Annual Craft and Gift Show Bank of America Building (500 Fourth Street NW)Friday, Nov. 19, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeSteal away a few minutes from your workday to browse this homebrewed show featuring handcrafted items from more than 25 vendors. Zia Arts and Crafts Christmas in New Mexico Show ziaartsandcrafts.com Expo New Mexico (300 San Pedro NE)Friday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.$6 adults; free 15-and-underIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in New Mexico, and the 125 exhibitors at this annual show are ho-ho-ho-ping you’ll clear a spot for their fine wares under your tree. Fall 2010 Contemporary Clay Fair contemporaryclayfair.comSanta Fe Women’s Club (1616 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe)Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.FreeOne medium: clay. Possibilities: innumerable. This is the event for hand-hewn clay, from the purely functional to the fantastic. Placitas Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Sale placitasholidaysale.comVillage of Placitas (Exit 242 east off I-25, then follow the signs)Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.FreePeruse the work of more than 80 exhibitors from throughout the Southwest. This juried show is presented in three different locations in the lovely Village of Placitas—a church, a school and a winery. That’s holiday spirit. Corrales Holiday Art Fest corralesartists.orgCorrales Rec Center (500 Jones, Corrales)Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeFrom the Corrales Society of Artists in the famously creative village, a menagerie of gift-giving delights awaits. The 11 th Annul Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival Holiday Show riograndefestivals.comExpo New Mexico (300 San Pedro NE)Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.$6 adults; $8 three-day pass; free 12-and-underThis yearly extravaganza features fineries both local and national. The Manuel Lujan Exhibit Complex is stuffed with more than 200 booths, a "holiday creation station" for the kids, demonstrations, and an array of food and entertainment. Ragalos Holiday Shopping Fair nationalhispaniccenter.orgNational Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth Street SW)Saturday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.FreeArts and crafts vendors, choir performances, and free hot chocolate deck the halls of Albuquerque’s own NHCC. Santa Fe Winter Indian Market swaia.orgSanta Fe Convention Center (201 W. Marcy, Santa Fe)Saturday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.$5 admissionThis annual sale features 130 Native artists, eight demonstrators, a silent auction, a holiday concert by Robert Mirabal and a "fashion row" featuring the work of indigenous designers. The 47 th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair unm.edu/~thinkartUNM SUB BallroomWednesday and Thursday, Dec. 1 and 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.FreeAll New Mexico-made originals, no exceptions. Support low-income student scholarships and get Aunt Jenny that perfect pair of earrings. Nob Hill Shop and Stroll route66central.comNob Hill (Central between Girard and Washington)Thursday, Dec. 2, 5 to 10 p.m.Free’Tis the season for the Nob Hill Shop and Stroll—Santa Claus, wandering performers, carolers, refreshments, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Nothing more need be said. 2010 Holiday Fair albuquerquegardencenter.orgThe Albuquerque Garden Center (10120 Lomas NE)Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeThe spot to secure your favorite aromatic plant-based holiday decor with the added appeal of crafty selections from more than 40 sellers. First Friday Arts Crawl artscrawlabq.orgCitywideFriday, Dec. 3, 5 to 8:30 p.m.FreeLap up the luxury of gallery-hopping while indulging in holiday shopping. Several locales participate in this monthly arts crawl, so be sure to visit the website for a full lineup or visit your favorite art gallery for details. The 13 th Annual Holiday Stroll albuquerqueoldtown.comOld Town (between Mountain and Central, east of Rio Grande)Friday, Dec. 3, 4 to 9 p.m.FreeTake a leisurely stroll amid the wholly New Mexican atmosphere of lumanarias, mariachis, cups of steaming cocoa and vendors, then top it off with the traditional lighting of the Old Town Christmas tree. The 22 nd Annual Old Church Fine Crafts Show corraleshistory.orgOld San Ysidro Church (966 Old Church, Corrales)Friday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeTraditional and contemporary works, crafts, soaps, sachets, recycled art, books, beadwork, doodads, bobbles—all Nuevo Mexicano, all original. 2010 Holiday Bizarre Bazaar thekosmosnm.blogspot.comThe Kosmos (1715 Fifth Street NW)Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.FreeAlternative gift fair, live music, camaraderie and community-mindedness. And coffee. Holiday Arts Festival and Twinkle Light Parade cabq.gov/crs/twinklelight.html or 311Civic Plaza (Third Street and Marquette NW)Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 6 p.m.FreeIn its inaugural year, the Holiday Arts Festival will follow the Twinkle Light Parade in bringing local artisans to Civic Plaza. The city promises a festival atmosphere with music, dance performances, face painting and a visit from (of course) Santa. Holiday Olé jlabq.orgMarriott Uptown (2101 Louisiana NE)Sunday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.$5 in advance, $7 at the doorA shopping spectacular presented by the Junior League of Albuquerque. And Santa! Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice’s 14 th Annual Holiday Gala Fundraiser abqpeaceandjustice.orgFirst Congregational Church (2801 Lomas NE)Saturday, Dec. 11, 6 to 10 p.m.$10 suggested donationBring yourself and the fam for some mingling and music, and perhaps a little noncorporate present purchasing. Bring along a few warm things to donate to the St. Martin’s Hospitality Center, while you’re at it. Winter Arts and Crafts Fair indianpueblo.orgIndian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW)Sunday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeAn entire fair featuring works by Native American artists—can’t get more local than that.
