Fit Finds: Austin’s Blue Genie Art Bazaar Keeps Holidays Merry
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar, now in its 14th year, is a fixture of the Austin holiday shopping season. Open from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24 at the Marchesa Hall & Theatre, the Bazaar features unique work from more than 130 local and regional artists who have been selected through a rigorous jury process. There are paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, and more. AFM has pulled a few items with a wellness theme to provide a taste of what you’ll find.
Bazaar hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (with the exception of Dec. 24, when it closes at 6 p.m.). There is ample free parking and a bike rack near the entrance for cyclists; the closest CapMetro bus stop is SW—Highland Mall/Middle Fiskville. Drinks and snacks are available (cash and credit accepted), and families are welcome. And a portion of the proceeds is donated to Make-A-Wish.
Jupiter’s Child Rainbow Multi-Colored 8-foot Single Jump Rope, $30
The focus of the three-woman creative team at Jupiter’s Child is “to seek out and offer natural toys and goods that are beautiful, fun, and sustainable.” Their tagline: Earth-Friendly Toys that are Out of This World. Their child’s-sized jump rope is hand-spliced and dyed to hold up under intense fun and extended activity.
Texas Medicinals from Ginger Webb
Body Cream for Aches & Pains, $12
This salve is perfect for penetrating and softening tight muscles and relieving pains. It is made with essential oils and a mix of organic arnica, wild juniper, wild white sage leaves, organic yarrow, wild nicotiana or datura, and organic cayenne in a base of olive oil and beeswax.
Supermaggie
Racer-back tank, $30
Since 2001, Maggie Kleinpeter, Michael Pittard, and team (otherwise known as Supermaggie) have been creating lines of edgy, nature-inspired art, T-shirts, and totes. These tank tops are made in the USA of a lightweight tri-blend (50% poly, 25% cotton, 25% rayon) material with a great texture.
One Kolor Tees
“Baseball Darts” T-shirt, $19
Find a fit for that special someone with a sense of humor. Owner Mario DiGiorio is a comedian, author, and neat freak who screen-prints by hand on super soft, American Apparel 50/50 blend shirts using non-toxic, no-feel ink. As he says on the website about the Baseball Darts T-shirt, “Probably not best to wear these to a pub.” (Note that shirts have a very slim fit.)
Little Minnow Designs
Head scarves, $22
Whether working out, wanting to trap unruly hair, or just opting to look fabulous, these twist hair scarves accomplish containment with style. They come in a variety of hand-screened prints and contain a wire headband. The two Austin-based sisters who are the creative force behind Little Minnow say “every sale is like a little compliment.” Awww.
