The last 2nd Saturday Art Walk of the year is approaching, so squeeze in some time Saturday to buy one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts created by locals, while live music hosts the downtown streets of Ocean Blvd, Linden Ave, Broadway, 1st street and Elm.

From 4-10 p.m., Linden Ave (between Broadway and 1st street) is closed to traffic and turns into a street fair. Here you will find booths full of handcrafted jewelry, paintings, photography, candles, crafts, home décor and more.

So far, this may sound like a very typical street fair, but being organized by local artists, in partnership with Long Beach businesses and residents, definitely raises the level of creativity. You will discover vendors that carry goods you have never seen, but wish you thought of.

A notable vendor is Greener Landz Eco-Artist Co-Op. One item they sell are some delicious smelling (and eco-friendly) soy candles, but not just in traditional glass jars. Re-Wine Soy Candles collects used wine bottles from locals bars and restaurants, then sanitizes, cuts and polishes them, then adds the homemade, soy wax.


They are decorative and fun to purchase for those who enjoy wine; especially because they smell amazing, are a recycled product and you might just find the label of your friend’s favorite wine for the perfect gift!

You will also find a booth full of finger-crocheted and “upcycled” clothing and goods, and be prepared to be impressed. Aldana Mica is the business name and Micaela is the businesswoman, and her designs are incredible. She literally crochets with her fingers tons of scarves, hats, shawls, gloves, skirts and much more.



The practice of finger crocheting is self-taught and amazing, so do not pass by her eye-catching booth without awing or buying.




While you may also be inclined to purchase some ornate, handcrafted jewelry from Ferramenta Utensileria (as pictured below) or New Lotus Art/Photography, you will also notice that the neighborhood art galleries, boutiques, cafés and restaurants will remain open until 10 p.m., so make sure you check out and support those as well.


If you are an artist, but have not yet donated towards a booth, you can still be creatively involved by participating in the Long Beach Masterpiece Contest. By 8 p.m., you must submit an artwork to the Hellada Gallery (117 Linden Ave.) to be reviewed by a panel of judges and at 9 p.m., the Long Beach Masterpiece winner is announced and $75.00 is awarded. All media is welcome and judged on creativity.


The 2nd Saturday Art Walk really is a neat event where art and community collide, so please come out and support your local artists and local businesses and show your Long Beach love.

Visit the website to learn more about the contributors, supporters and parking details. The event in free.
http://www.artwalklb.com/

562CityLife is funded by a Long Beach Community Foundation Connected Corridor grant supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation's Transformation Initiative.