Author: Julia Baker

Memphis College of Art hosts its 69th and final Holiday Bazaar this Saturday, offering an eclectic mix of handmade goods for sale by more than 120 local artists.

Wares produced by these artists will encompass a large selection of gift ideas for loved ones, with everything from handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery and ceramics to paintings, prints, photography, mixed-media pieces, ornaments, metalwork, and woodwork.

“Most of the proceeds will go directly to the artists, and that’s a great way for us to help the local arts community,” says Olivia Wall, coordinator of external engagement. “And a small portion will go toward the school’s budget to teach our current students.”

MCA

Hats off to a Memphis holiday tradition

The Holiday Bazaar tradition began in 1949 under the guidance of Edwin “Ted” Rust, director of what was then called Memphis Academy of Arts. The event took off and became a staple of the school’s holiday celebrations. And by 1957, the eighth annual Bazaar grew substantially enough to help fund the school’s move from its campus at the James Lee House on Adams Avenue into its current building, aptly called Rust Hall, at Overton Park.

Sadly, Memphis College of Art calls an end to the time-honored tradition this year as the school’s days conclude in May 2020.

“Like a lot of events we’re doing this year, they’re a little bit bittersweet in that they are our last one,” says Wall. “But we’re also very proud that we are able to continue the traditions that have been with the college for a number of years. We feel that it really adds and continues that Memphis College of Art community spirit, both for our current students and faculty, as well as the greater community we serve.”

sixty-ninth and Final Holiday Bazaar, Memphis College of Art, Saturday, November 23rd, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free.

This year marks the bicentennial of not only our city, but of Shelby County, as well. And, to commemorate the occasion, Memphis in May (MIM) hosts Celebrate Shelby at Shelby Farms this Sunday.

“We wanted to take it up to Shelby Farms since that’s kind of the jewel of Shelby County,” says Robert Griffin, vice president of marketing for MIM. “We wanted to be able to have it centrally located for all the municipalities, whether it’s Collierville, Germantown, Millington, Bartlett, Arlington, Lakeland, and of course, Memphis — right in the heart of it.”

Memphis in May

There’s a party goin’ on right here!

Local musicians Marcella & Her Lovers, Kevin and Bethany Paige, and Savannah Brister will perform.

“Shelby County has got a lot of local talent, and this gives us an opportunity to highlight that,” Griffin says.

Children and adults will remain occupied with a cornucopia of activities like cornhole, rock climbing, face painting, fireworks, free birthday cake, and Touch-a-Truck.

“The different municipalities will be bringing emergency vehicles, like fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances,” says Griffin. “Kids and adults alike will enjoy this, because, let’s be honest — adults would probably like to check out some of the equipment the local first responders are using.”

Attendees will receive passports to be stamped at each of the seven municipalities’ tents, where pieces of history will be displayed.

“Lakeland used to be an amusement park,” says Griffin. “Someone in the community found one of the cars from one of the amusement park rides, and it’s going to be on display in the Lakeland center.”

Ultimately, Griffin says it’s important to go celebrate. “I mean, the bicentennial only comes around once every 200 years,” he says.

Celebrate Shelby, Shelby Farms Park, Sunday, November 24th, 1-5:30 p.m., free.