Craft Lake City

Craft Lake City arose two years ago during the economic crisis as an event to help support local artists creating crafts of all stripes. It came about as much of a matter of style as necessity, the crafty impulse taking hold worldwide in fashion and art as the “hip” thing to do. The economic crisis has lingered, and the do-it-yourself craze hasn’t let up, reprising the craft movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. You can’t call it a fad.

“Craft” isn’t a word that evokes merely knitwear or tole painting anymore. A new generation has embraced the notion of making things you need instead of buying them, but they want the necessities to be stylish, as well. How else would they come up with macramé beer-can hats and clothing made from bullets? But it’s also a love of one-of-a-kind pieces, so you’re not wearing the same mass-manufactured T-shirt as a thousand other would-be hipsters.

With 180 local artists displaying everything from reconstructed clothing, silk-screened posters and knitted items to handmade jewelry, an entire range of crafty impulses is represented. Crafts aren’t separate from the loftier-seeming artistic media; they have become essential to adding beauty to everyday life.

The recent remodel of the Gallivan Center makes the space a more open, walkable environment. Two stages feature musical acts, including Muscle Hawk, SubRosa, Birthquake!, Spell Talk, Mad Max & the Wild Ones and other local faves. A kids’ area and food vendors round out the day. (Brian Staker)

Craft Lake City @ Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main, 801-487-9221, Aug. 13, 2-10 p.m., free. CraftLakeCity.com