“Craft fairs” are nothing new.  In fact, 10 years ago, if you would have asked me about them, I would have noted it as something my mom would quilt at (love you mom!).

Heck, even Scuttlebug LLC, the producers of the November 19th, 2016 Craft’za in NE Minneapolis agree!

“Most craft fairs are FEMALE oriented. “Craft fair” was so thought of as embroidery and stuff…” Andy says, however, “I wanted to produce an event for everyone, with a range of prices and products that would appeal to both men and women alike.”

Andy & Jenna Krueger (both artists themselves) wanted to break that stigma.  They have been focused on producing a much more decidedly “hip” craft fair for the last 12 years.

Maybe it’s because of the newfound popularity of craft drinks, the rise in the economy, etsy, or people just wanting to literally “Support their Local Artist,” but cool local hand-made goods are becoming a phenomena here in the Twin Cities.

Scuttlebug Craft Fair; History of Promoting Local Artists

12 years is a long time to be producing an event, but it also gives you a long time to bring together and meet a ton of artists, as well as cultivate an audience of people that really appreciate hand-made art.  And that is exactly what these events are all about.

The Minneapolis Craft’za (and the St. Paul Craftstravaganza ) are juried-artist-selection to bring a range of hand-made crafts to the local masses.

No question about authenticity.  One of the things that makes the annual Mpls Craft’za special is that all artists are required to be there, so you can meet them.

Screen Printers, Metal workers, Wood workers, Clothing Designers.   They’re all there showcasing their work for you (and helping you pick out great gifts for lovers and family).

Asked if it bothered him that all these other Craft Fair events were following in Scuttlebug’s Footsteps, Andy shrugged it off.

“The popularity of the brewery events are really just opening up a new audience of craft buyers and craft-makers.” He said.  

“I love that more people are learning to appreciate hand-made and local…for all things. Not just crafts and gifts, but for all the arts from Performance to Dance…”

MINNEAPOLIS CRAFT’ZA 1-DAY EVENT

NORDEAST MINNEAPOLIS

sAT, 11/19 @ GRAIN BELT BOTTLING HOUSE

10AM – 4PM  |  FREE

The NE Event this fall promises to be 1 of the biggest of it’s kind, featuring over 70 Artists at this year’s event, each showcasing a range of products (and prices).

There will be live art, live screen printing, food trucks, and about 2,000 people! The event is Free  and runs from 10-4pm.  Make sure you allow enough time to browse and meet your local artists!