This will be the first year that the Jackalope Art and Craft Fair has come to Denver, Colorado for its Winter Fair. Jackalope Art and Craft Fair has not been around very long, but it's already establishing quite a following in each community that they visit with their event. The focus of Jackalope Arts is to provide a place for artisans to sell their high quality, hand-crafted goods, and to promote arts and crafts in each city that they visit. In addition it's a great opportunity for artists and individual buyers to meet in person to trade ideas and information. You know Jackalope means business because they vet and hand select everyone that is selling at and involved in the festival.
The Denver Winter Fair takes place at the EXDO event center, right in the heart of downtown Denver. The fair will feature over 100 different crafters and artisans selling their unique goods and creations. There is something here for any lover of art including photography, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, housewares, and much more. Along with art and crafts for sale, the fair presents attendees with the opportunity to participate in fun and educational workshops. From making custom cards to exploring henna and face painting, there are plenty of activities to fill your day. This fair is free to attend, so take the opportunity to meet new people and buy some beautiful art at the Jackalope Art and Craft Fair. We got the opportunity to interview Event Representative, Sara Vausbinder, about this entertaining and unique event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
SV: This is our first year with Jackalope. We began in Denver this summer, with a kickoff fair in July. We also have upcoming shows in Phoenix, AZ in mid December and in Pasadena, CA in late April.
RAL: How many vendors participate in the fair?
SV: We have about 200 artisans at each fair in a variety of genres including original fashion and jewelry design, ceramics and paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, plus much more.
RAL: What is the demographic of the people who attend the fairs?
SV: Our fair draws a wide demographic! We have workshops and activities for both kids and adults in addition to vendors selling a plethora of amazing goods for every demographic. There is also a bar open during the show for some fun holiday shopping libations available to those of us 21 and over.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
SV: Our fair is one of the few around that is strictly made up of handmade artisans only. We do not accept any resale or vintage items.
RAL: What will attendees encounter for activities, food and overall environment?
SV: Our Holiday Fair in Denver will have facepainting and henna tattoos by Juiced To Go, as well as a Handmade Holiday Card station with Share Denver.
When it comes to food options the fair has some tasty pre-packaged treats! We'll have Pumpwerks providing smoked foods like bagels and lox, fish tacos, and more. We'll also have OMG Food Truck set up inside.
The atmosphere is fun and upbeat with lots of energy as shoppers bounce between brightly colored artisan booths making their purchases and mingling with the sellers over their handcrafted specialties and interactive workshops! The holiday shopping spirit will certainly fill the room with a glow at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair.
RAL: What can an attendee expect for local lodging?
SV: Being in the growing RiNo Arts District of Denver, there are new areas to stay popping up all the time. For guests interested in the bed & breakfast type vibe, there's the Queen Ann Bed & Breakfast, located just under two miles from the fair. Two other popular choices are The Oxford Hotel and The Crawford Hotel, also less than two miles from the fair. A couple larger lodging options include Crowne Plaza Denver Downtown and Holiday Inn Denver Cherry Creek.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
SV: Since our event focuses on the "shop local" movement, it really does drive business right to the local makers. It's amazing the types of things you can find when shopping our fair that you wouldn't even expect to be handcrafted. We love giving shoppers the opportunity to meet the maker behind the product they are purchasing. The event entry is free too, making it that much more accessible.
RAL: Why should people attend the Jackalope Art and Craft Fair?
SV: The entire RiNo Arts District that our fair takes place in is vibrant and bustling. It’s definitely a wonderful place and travel destination, home to a lot of art galleries, breweries and even wineries! Our event is a unique stop where we hope travelers can have fun, meet some local artisans, get creative, and take home something unique and handcrafted here from Colorado as they travel through town.
For more information on the Jackalope Art and Craft Fair and its multiple venues please visit their website.