Utahns are getting crafty for a second year in a row. The Craft Lake City festival, organized by SLUG magazine and sponsored by City Weekly, showcases all kinds of crafts and handmade items. It’s more than just a way to make your own fashion statement. It’s become a nationwide movement that combines ideas from environmentalism, frugal living and anti-corporate sentiment, popularized in venues like ReadyMade magazine. Here you’ll find everything from recycled clothing to stuffed animals to handmade soap.
A number of artists participating in Craft Lake City report that it’s their biggest day of the year. You’ll discover items from notable local artists like Leia Bell and Teresa Flowers, as well as lesser-knowns who exercise an equally crafty hand; 130 in all will have work at the fest. A gift basket of handmade items will be assembled by some of the artists to donate to charity. Saturday also includes a full day of music, including local bands and belly dancers.
Crafty festivities continue Sunday with a screening of Faythe Levine’s film Handmade Nation at the Tower Theatre at 4:40 p.m. The documentary, featuring 80 indie-craft artists from all over the country, will be followed by a Q&A session with some of our local craft artists. You can learn what drives them to the needle or glue gun and find out what it might take to put your own crafty hand to the wheel.
Craft Lake City @ Gallivan Avenue, east of Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street and 300 South, Aug 14, 2-9 p.m.; @ Tower Theatre, 876 E. 900 South, 801-487-9221, Aug. 15, 4:40 p.m.