The University of New Mexico’s Continuing Education held its second Annual Holiday Craft Show on Small Business on Saturday, Nov. 25, promoting the work and creations of many Albuquerque vendors.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free crafts show welcomed patrons of all ages to enjoy the work of its 45 vendors.
The event, organized by local vendor Kyle Toya-Pino of Kyle's Antique Creel, offered a variety of options for those looking to shop for the holidays, with items ranging from handmade, decorated shelves to jewelry to metal works. The event also included a raffle and handcrafted giveaways.
“I go to craft shows as well; I come in as a vendor and we just introduce ourselves,” Toya-Pino said. “These women are like sisters. We get to know each other. We get to see each other, and that's how we communicate, when we know the shows are happening, who’s hosting it and how much it will cost us.”
During the event, she told the Daily Lobo she thought the show was going well.
“I’m happy, (the other vendors are) happy,” she said. “And the people are happy. They’re walking out with bags and smiles. It’s all we wanted to accomplish.”
Visitors had the option to purchase food from a food truck within walking distance of the show or check out some of the vendors’ food products. Some of these options included Josephine’s Salsa as well as homemade jams and jellies from Pruitt’s Fruit Orchard.
The holiday season could be felt strongly throughout the event, as many vendors used Christmas themes for their products. Still, it was the variety of products that captured attention and brought in a variety of attendees as well.
“The customer flow has been very good. We’ve had a very diverse type of clientele, so I’m very happy and would do it again,” Scentsy vendor Marsha Rosenberg said.
This feeling seemed to be a consensus among vendors, both returning and new.
One vendor, Christine Baird with PawTree, said it was her first time with the Holiday Craft Show, and she was very happy with the event and would return for future shows.
“It’s sort of steady, not crazy busy, but the people that are here are really purchasing, so I’m happy,” Baird said.
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Indeed, many of the attendees left with full bags and cards to visit the vendors again before the end of the holidays. With a steady attendance and steady business, the annual Holiday Craft Show may only grow in the future as members of the Albuquerque community continue to show their support for local businesses.
Nichole Harwood is the culture editor at the Daily Lobo. She primarily covers alumni and art features. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Nolidoli1.
