Blue Genie Art Bazaar for NSIDE Magazine
By Lori Hiller
Austin’s annual four week holiday shopping exhibit, Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB), returns to Marchesa Hall & Theatre in Lincoln Village November 28th through December 24th for its 14th year, featuring handmade artwork, jewelry and gifts from more than 200 Texas artists. What started as a low-key holiday art party in an east Austin warehouse has evolved into a beloved local holiday tradition and a trusted source for anyone seeking one-of-a-kind gifts. Open from 10am until 10pm daily (with the exception of 6:00pm closing on December 24th), BGAB is free to the public and offers a hassle-free shopping environment.
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar was founded in 2001 by Chris Coakley, Kevin Collins, Rory Skagen and Dana Younger, the principles at Blue Genie Art Industries, a nationally recognized creative firm specializing in large scale commercial fabrication of three dimensional objects, monuments, exhibits, themed environments, and artist services. Fourteen years ago, the bazaar was held at the Blue Genie Art facility in east Austin and featured just 15 artists, most of whom were Blue Genie employees. Since then, BGAB has grown annually and become known for supporting the local arts community and regional small businesses.
All items featured at the bazaar are handmade and include paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, glassworks and more. There is something for everyone, even the impossible-to-shop-for friend or relative.
Each year, BGAB organizers call for submissions from the local creative community and embark upon a vigorous selection process to bring together the region’s most notable artisans and craftspeople. This year BGAB is expanding to include up to 35 additional artists in addition to accepting applications from Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.
“Each year, our goal is to continually surprise and excite customers with creative and unique artisan goods,” said Dana Younger. “This year, we provided more exhibit space to deliver a handmade jewelry showcase that is unparalleled in Texas.”
Showcasing the local arts community and small businesses isn’t the only way BGAB supports Central Texas. In the spirit of the holiday season, the bazaar donates 10% of its profits every Monday to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas via “Make-A-Wish Mondays.” Last year, BGAB surpassed its fundraising goal of $5,000, enabling it to grant the wish of one local child.
“If you are a last-minute shopper who can’t imagine finding the right gift at a big box retailer, the Bazaar makes holiday shopping a breeze,” Blue Genie co-founder Kevin Collins notes.
In addition to shopping, there are a number of special events and activities throughout the show including live music and holiday movies. Acoustic performances are featured on Wednesday nights. Holiday movies are shown at all times in the theater with exception of special screenings by the Austin Film Society. Light refreshments and a full bar offered every day.
