Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from 10am to 3pm
Old Town School of Folk Music East Lobby
4545 N. Lincoln Avenue
Celebrate the season at Old Town School’s Festive Folk Craft Bazaar on Saturday, December 7, from 10am to 3pm in Lincoln Square! Shop an array of handmade creations by local artists and members of our community—think cozy winter accessories, candles, jewelry, music-themed gifts, and more. It’s the perfect chance to find heartfelt holiday gifts while supporting local makers. Join us for a day of festive cheer and community connection!
2025 Artisans
Anoush Bargamian
Unique Eco-Friendly Handmade Earrings and Small Hand-Pulled Screenprints
Anoush Bargamian is an artist, art educator, and designer with degrees from Massachusetts College of Art, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago, with a sensibility that reflects a commitment to sustainable, handcrafted artistic expression.
@sweetangst_artSusan Brandstetter
Low-Profile Wood Carvings and Wood Bandsaw Bowls
Susan Brandstetter creates one-of-a-kind, handmade wood carvings inspired by nature. These decorative pieces and food-safe bandsaw bowls bring warmth and unique artistic charm to home decor.
@susanbrandstetterCorinne Chapman
Handmade Greeting Cards Inspired by Nature
Corinne Chapman uses a combination of watercolor and screen printing to create unique greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, or just ’cause! These cards are inspired by nature, and include a variety of Christmas & non-denominational holiday themes.
Margie Criner
1/12 Scale Miniatures Inspired by the 1960s through 80s, including Tiny Stereos, Records, T-Shirts, and Jell-O Molds
Margie Criner is part of a collective of four Chicago artists creating handcrafted miniatures celebrating pop culture. Their intricate work serves filmmakers, stop-motion animators, doll houses, and bands seeking unique merchandise.
@ittybittyminimartAnna Dutko-Rowley
Diverse Collection of Items Collected from Neighborhood and Surrounding Areas
Anna Dutko-Rowley is a 10-year breast cancer survivor and longtime Old Town School volunteer. With 22 years of dedicated support to the school, she brings a personal and community-driven approach to her curated selection.
Angelique Gall
Ceramic Home Goods, Wearable Ceramic Jewelry, and Functional Art Products
Angelique Gall is a Chicago Latinx queer ceramic artist and teacher behind Geliware, which draws inspiration from Chicago’s vibrant aesthetics, infusing each piece with a bold and modern flair. Geliware’s mission goes beyond design, aiming to uplift and empower women through its products. By combining creativity with purpose, the brand celebrates individuality and self-expression, offering customers not only beautiful products, but also a sense of connection to the artistic spirit of Chicago.
@geliwareRebecca Jasso
Illustrations (Prints, Picture Books, and Greeting Cards), Lino-Printed Zipperbags and Totes, Sock Baby Dolls
Rebecca Jasso is a songwriter and illustrator who loves nature and daydreaming as she walks around in the woods. She is the Retail Director of the Old Town School Music Store and creator of the Lost Species Day songwriter showcase benefit concert.
@tea_frondSkip Landt
Large posters for Battle of the Jug Bands, cartoon books, kazoo counseling manuals, kazoos, and CDs
Skip Landt is a music educator with 44 years of teaching experience and founder of the American Kazoo Association. Skip loves and teaches all kinds of music: folk, country, blues, jazz, and runs a free Wednesday Americana jam open to vocalists and instruments at all levels
Zia Lightning
Intricate Knitted Mitts, Beaded Earrings, and Chokers
Zia Lightning is a Chicago-based artist and graphic designer who works across multiple media, including knitting, video game design, and illustration. Their unique approach to craft results in a limited but exceptional collection of handmade accessories.
@zialightningJohn Mead
Large and Small Oil Paintings Featuring the Natural World
Long-time Old Town teacher John Mead has also been a life-long artist, with a BFA in drawing and painting. After a long academic career as a writing and literature teacher, he returned to oil painting about ten years ago, and has worked ever since in subject matter he calls “Lost Worlds,” rooted in nature but attempting to work with patterning and color.
Wendy Mejia
Holiday Ornaments
Wendy Mejia offers handmade holiday ornaments crafted with care. Her collection includes charming ornaments created by Grandma Ceci, bringing a personal and heartfelt touch to holiday decorations.
Erika Ochoa
Music Gifts, Coasters, Mugs, Socks, and Handmade Earrings
Erika Ochoa specializes in creating pop art earrings and custom-made gifts. Her unique handmade jewelry offers a creative and personalized touch to traditional accessories.
@popartearringsAllison Tenn
Variety of Nature and Landscape Photo Prints from Around the World
Allison Tenn is a Honolulu-raised, Chicago-based photographer and designer with a passion for nature and conservation. Her photography aims to inspire others to observe, learn, and care about the natural world.
@atennphotoLorena Velazquez
Baked Goods and Treats, including Cookies, Pie Slices, and Possibly Tamales
Lorena Velazquez is a passionate baker bringing homemade warmth to this year’s Festive Folk Craft Bazaar.
