So hey the 7th Annual Unglued: Craft Fest just happened Feb 24 & 25, 2017 and this is the first time we’ve ever been able to manage a blog post! Basically #winning. Below you’ll be able to see the amazingness that happens when 70+ crazy talented makers, 8 young makers, 3 local breweries, 13 free workshops, 5,000+ attendees, 1 Craft Gala, 100 swag bags, 3 local bands, 200 Beyonce-inspired bags, 3 art galleries, 2 selfie stations, 10 amazing local sponsors, and more happen in one place.
Our Craft Gala was Friday night! There was live jazz, drinks, food, and more included + an opening shopping night of our 7th annual Fest makers. Why a Craft Gala? It’s based on feedback from a few years ago that Saturday can just get a bit too crazy so shoppers and vendors suggested a ticketed night to have the option to come when it was a more fancier and laid back vibe! Watch for next year, though, as we are pretty sure we have a brand new idea we’ll start on Friday night in 2018 (holla!).
The first 200 attendees up to the Print Studio also got to screen print their own tote bag with an original design by Amanda Heidt of the Plains Art Museum, inspired by Beyonce, of course.
And for the first time we had custom portraits sketched by Art by Kaija Lea from here in town!
Then our crazy Craft Fest day was all day Saturday!
This super day included 8 makers under the age of 13 showcasing their work in the Creative Plains Foundation Young Maker’s Market!
And our amazing 70+ makers waking back up post-Craft Gala to showcase their work.
And great live music with The Shuttles & The Cropdusters…
On Saturday the 2nd building to the Center for Creativity was open as well to explore…
And find our line-up of free workshops and demos by Modern Textiles, Nordic Needle, the Plains Art Museum, and Jeff Knight!
And our Craft Beer Garden made a return this year including 3 local breweries, fresh flowers from Prairie Petals, and The Hot Dog Peddler!
And even more free DIY projects that we pulled together with our volunteers for 50+ people a hit…
And OH MY chances for all ages to try their hand at wheel throwing with the museum staff…
(Oh, and yes, we will always flippin’ do selfie booths…)
And the night ended with a post-party at Twenty Below Coffee for our volunteers and vendors topped off with spilled champagne and good ol’ crock pot foods.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! For believe in supporting local and regional makers + handmade…standing in line to snag a swag bag…taking time to get creative yourself with workshops and beyond…and just making this community one we are SO PROUD OF to call home where we are making ours and others’ dreams happen.
Thank you Zach Davis Photography for making these photos happen and hanging out with us all weekend!!
