2014 Arts and Crafts Fair at LAMS. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

2014 Arts and Crafts Fair at LAMS. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

The Los Alamos Arts Council’s (LAAC) annual tradition continues with the Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, at Los Alamos Middle School.

The arts council has hosted this event for 48 years. Almost 100 artists will participate in the fair. Shoppers can purchase everything from jewelry, paintings and photography to metal, wood and pottery.

Although it is an event with a long history in Los Alamos, LAAC has added a few new things to mix this year. LAAC donated booth space to several non profits such as the Los Alamos Animal Shelter, which will publicize its popular calendars while Girls Scouts will accept donations to wrap any holiday gifts purchased at the fair.

Another new addition to the fair is a photo booth. Participants are welcome to use their cell phones or cameras to snap pictures of family and friends posing with props LAAC will provide

“It should be fun for adults and kids alike,” LAAC Executive Director Marlane Hamilton said.

The arts council also will kick off its raffle of an oil painting by Wendy Higgins at the fair. “We are fortunate to be able to raffle this lovely painting,” Hamilton said. The winning ticket will be selected at the LAAC fundraiser next June.

The fair will feature both new and returning artists. Favorite artists include jewelers Kathy Hjeresen, MaryAnn Somers, Marilyn Lisowski, Teresa Starr, Kristi Cacy, Audra Short and Lyra Fiset. Adrian Martinez of Martinez Woods will be back as well as Mary Val Whitesides with her items made from vintage quilts.

New artists also include Pam Williamson who makes stained glass gifts including boxes, night lights and ornaments. Annie Macker and Bertha Medina produce artwork out of gourds. Taylor Dale, Bill Hamilton and Howard Granzow will sell their woodwork.

Food will be on sale at the fair. Platero’s Navajo Tacos and Fry Bread will be available  as well as Houdini’s Kettle Corn.

There is no shortage of arts and crafts fairs in the community, especially this time of year but LAAC still manages to keep its event unique.

“Our craft fair is distinctive because of its long history in our community,” Hamilton said. “The first community fair was to raise funds for a newly formed Arts Council and these fairs have continued to this day. This is the 48th year that LAAC has been sponsoring these fairs.”

The fair is a major fundraising event for LAAC. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.

Proceeds from booth rental fees are used to present cultural programs throughout the year. In the past year, the nonprofit council has presented more than 50 arts-related programs, which include the annual Kite Festival, Missoula Children’s Theater and Brown Bag performances at Fuller Lodge.

Another way to support the arts council is by becoming a member. Memberships cost $15 for individuals. Membership registration will be available during the fair. For more information, call 505.663.0477 or visit http://www.laartscouncil.org.