Tomorrow is the 9th edition of the Alternative Media Expo, presented by Antigravity Magazine, which I write a monthly local shopping column for. I’ve participated in every Expo since 2004 and this year is no exception!
The Alternative Media Expo is really awesome because it brings together all of the great artists, designers, and non-profits in New Orleans that don’t always fit in at other more mainstream art or cultural events. There’s everything from ‘zines and comics to handmade clothing and crafts to photography, community organizers, filmmakers, musicians and more. I’ll be there representing both this website and the New Orleans Craft Mafia, and my fellow Mafiosos will be there as well, with all of their great handmade goods! Here’s a sneak peek at what you might see:
The art by mags! “recession special” – mini stencil art for $1-$5 sliding scale. If you’re lucky enough to score a swag bag, you’ll get some cool mini stencil art for free!
This awesome handmade polymer clay chandelier pendant from Flambeaux Design Company. I noticed these recently on my friend Tressa’s Etsy shop and I think they’re fabulous! I think they’re going to do very well for her at the Expo!
Kristina Renee Jewelry makes these great leafy friendship earrings that I love — they look so much nicer in person, so they’re really worth taking a peek at if you’re able to come to the Expo!
I’m a little more than obsessed with the fused glass jewelry that Heather from Unique Products makes! I’ve got at least 5 of her fused glass pendants. (I’ve kind of lost track of how many I have actually…) This money clip is a great example of her work — she’ll be sure to have loads more at the Expo, including her pendants and amazing rings and belt buckles.
I love the fiber and resin pendants made by my friend Rachelle of greenKangaroo. And yes, that’s me modeling one of them for her!
If you’re able to attend, make sure you get there early, because the first 150 paid attendees will be receiving a FREE swag bag put together by the New Orleans Craft Mafia — these bags were a huge hit at last year’s Expo, and they’re sure to go fast again this year! The event will be from noon-6pm at The Warehouse at the Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp Street, New Orleans). Admission is $5, and it’s totally worth it.
Also, this year they’re doing a special fashion show tonight at One Eyed Jacks in conjunction with Dirty Coast, featuring designers who will be set up at the Expo, including many New Orleans Craft Mafia members. There will also be a live art show before and after the runway show, and the Big Easy Rollergirls and Fleur de Tease will be there, plus music by the DJs of Mod Dance Party. Cover is $10 with the first 200 paid attendees receiving discount cards for the Dirty Coast store.
Oh yeah…. and all those cool crafters mentioned above? Quite a few of those lovely ladies contributed their handmade goods to the giveaway package for the 2009 MissMalaprop.com Reader Survey. Fill it out before March 31, 2009 and you might be the lucky winner of the giveaway!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Tressa’s polymer clay certainly is fab
Glad to hear the Expo was much fun for everyone, I’ve seen all of the tweets about it! lol I’ve heard such great things about the New Orleans craft mafia, hoping you all are getting the love you deserve at your functions.
I ma pretty impressed with the collection you have shown above. They have the distinct feature of looking hand crafted makes it very special. Hope the Alternative Media Expo was a great success. Keep us posted.