“Simply the hippest holiday art fair in town”

—the Austin American-Statesman

Where do the Austin, Texas locals shop local for the holidays? At the 14th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar, called “simply the hippest holiday art fair in town” by the Austin American-Statesman. But beyond what’s hip is what’s logical: When you shop local with your local businesses, more of your money stays close to your home. That can mean more support for the parks, recreation centers, libraries and other things that make your community the place you want to live. And when your local businesses do business, they’re supporting more local businesses—their vendors, suppliers and workforce are all locals, too. It’s a rising tide-floating-all-boats deal.

Think local first. That’s what SustainableConnections.org urges you to do: think local, and shop local when you can. As a Washington state nonprofit dedicated to a “collaborative community” where local businesses support one another in prosperity and well-being for all citizens (with a list of 10 good reasons to do so on its site), there’s an understanding that you can’t always shop local. Sure, you’ll need to buy that 65-inch 4K Ultra HD TV from a big box retailer. But for custom made, one-of-a-kind, creative, arty gifts? That’s where your local artisans shine, and at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, the more than 200 local and regional artists are among the shiniest.

Think local, shop local, it’s all good—for your local artisans, your local businesses, your local community, and you. ♣ 

Where are you shopping local for the holidays?

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar at the Marchesa Hall and Theatre in Austin, Texas is open 10am-10pm daily through Christmas Eve, featuring over 200 local and regional artists, with free admission, free parking and a cash bar to make the shopping go down easier. Blue Genie pays it forward, too, with a portion of its proceeds going to Make-A-Wish.® Find my art prints at the fair in the AustinDetails.me display (pictured above), and shop for Vanishing Austin, Mission Mexico and Flower Power.

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