Artisan Mercado Offers Shoppers Unique Christmas Gifts

Who: Local Artisans and Artists    What: Sell unique Latino art and artisan goods

Where: Frost Bank Plaza , 401 Congress Avenue       When: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16

This holiday season the Artisan Mercado, an outside marketplace for Latino-themed art and arts and crafts, offers an alternative to mass-produced items found in traditional stores from 10 a.m - 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Frost Bank Plaza, 401 Congress Avenue. The Mercado sells locally-crafted, fine jewelry, glassware, ceramics, and  tapestry pillows; Mexican, Colombian  and African dresses, handbags and crafts; and Honduran and Texan paintings, prints and mixed media.. The marketplace is free and open to the public.

While parents are shopping, children can attend a free wreath-making workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Youth can assemble a Christmas wreath or “corona navideña” similar to those found in Mexico during the holiday season.

In addition to showcasing a variety of handcrafted goods, the Mercado is hosting an Arts and Crafts Charity Sale to benefit Mexico City earthquake victims. The items were donated by Mercado vendors.

Inexpensive  parking is available  downtown or shoppers can use Frost Bank Tower parking for $10 for the entire day.

Find more details at https://www.facebook.com/artisanmercadoonCongressand5th.This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, Mexic-Arte Museum and Endeavor Real Estate Group. The Artisan Mercado organizer is Athena Silversmith, a  local, online jewelry boutique.