Plenty available at SWAAC Bazaar

HOPE – You cannot blame the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council (SWAAC) in Hope if you get through this weekend without an inexpensive, handcrafted Christmas gift or stockingstuffer.

More than 200 people can’t be wrong.

The three-day Holiday Bazaar will be open from 10-2 Saturday, December 1 at the Art Station at 200 East Division in Hope. That’s the last chance you can see the unique work of more than 20 artisans from the area.

Available now are: Handmade cedar fishing lures in almost 50 distinct styles and patterns; original jewelry designs; “mermaid” pillows (at the site or for custom order; season painted pallet for yard art; Razorback themed wood items; macrame plant hangers, wall hangings and book markers; one-of-a-kind glass art by James Hayes; original Ukrainian style egg art (only 10 left); holiday t-shirts, pillows and hand towels; handmade soaps; and painted rocks and ornaments; soft drink bottles from the defunct Hope Beverage Company, plus other items.

Above; Fisherman and craftsman Chris Malone is shown with his hand-formed cedar lures; he sold more than 30 the first day of the Bazaar.