Atomic Holiday Bazaar Promises:  'Craft that won't make you puke!'
Words:  Maynard Del Mar

Appearing:
December 9, 2007
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota

The second annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar, a DIY alternative crafts fair featuring 70 crafters from both local and national regions, will be taking place at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium on Sunday, December 9.  We sat down with the founders of this renegade flea market, Adrien Lucas and Cemantha Crain to find out just why "this is not your granny's craft show!"

REAX:  How did you come up with the idea of an alternative crafts showcase?
Atomic:  We were mostly inspired by other crafts shows in other cities.  "Stitch" was put on by the Austin Craft Mafia and featured lots of really interesting artists, fashion designers and musicians.  I came from Los Angeles to Sarasota and felt there was a lack of representation of a younger more cutting-edge aesthetic at all the art festivals.  It didn't make much sense considering we have two prestigious colleges, Ringling School of Art and New College, and neither seemed to have much presence in the Sarasota art community.

REAX:  What should people expect upon arrival?
Atomic:  We will be giving away grab bags to the first 100 people through the door filled with amazing stuff from many of the participating designers and businesses.  Local roller derby girls, the Bradentucky Bombers, will be there to welcome everyone.  We will also be featuring Los Listos flamenco guitarists and Dirt DJs Ryan and Maynard to keep the party going throughout the day.  There will be a fashion show with new and vintage clothing, and some of the most kick-ass arts and crafts that you have ever seen.

REAX:  In a city known for its dolphin paintings and clown sculptures, what made Sarasota seem like the place to have the Atomic Holiday Bazaar?
Atomic:  Sarasota just seemed ripe for it.  It's like the movie Footloose here:  no parties, no dancing, no fun.  This fair was created with younger people in mind.  With this event we are hopefully changing people's ideas of what art, festivals and community can be.

atomicholidaybazaar.com