34th Celebration of Craftswomen November 24, 2012

Media contact: Larsen Associates at 415-957-1205 or [email protected]
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THE WOMEN'S BUILDING ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSWOMEN
A Visionary Show and Sale Of Works From More Than 150 Juried Artists
And New Celebration of Women in Film
Kick Off The Holiday Shopping Season

TWO FUN-FILLED WEEKENDS
November 24-25 and December 1-2, 2012
At San Francisco's Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavilion

The Women's Building Annual Celebration of Craftswomen, showcasing the work of more than 150 juried artists, takes place two Saturdays and Sundays, November 24-25, and December 1-2, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, students and disabled, and free for children ages 12 and under. A two-day pass is $12.00 and can be purchased on-line beginning in October. The Celebration of Craftswomen is wheelchair accessible. For more information please telephone 650-615-6838, email to [email protected] or visit http://celebrationofcraf….

Now in its 34th year, the Celebration of Craftswomen -- the only exclusively female show in the country -- is the jewel of San Francisco's alternative holiday shopping season. Featuring more than 150 artists, from near and far, this community-driven celebration offers the latest trends in handcrafts as well as the classics. Visitors can peruse and purchase a vast array of clothing, furniture and accessories, jewelry, bags and purses, bath and beauty items, housewares, ceramics and pottery, paper goods, glass, and art - all under one roof, and all made in the USA.

Holiday shopping at the Celebration of Craftswomen not only provides a variety of unique gifts, but a new twist on engaging with your inner-crafts persona. This year's show will include a large knitting lounge, engaging live art projects and entertainment. There will also be a gift-wrapping station, coat and baggage check, a café and food cart services celebrating the many food-craftswomen in the community. Also new this year will be a special Women in Film Program where visitors can take a break and catch a series of films especially programmed for the Celebration of Craftswomen.

INTRODUCING A NEW HIGHLIGHT - A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN FILM
On Saturday, December 1, A Celebration of Craftswomen launches a brand new program for the first time this year called A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN AND FILM featuring two dynamic film programs: LUNAFEST - a series of nine short films from women around the world ; and the new acclaimed documentary by Bay Area filmmaker Kristy Guevara-Flannagan WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF SUPERHEROINES, a benefit for the Women's Building in SF that includes a pre-screening reception, a post-screening discussion with filmmaker in-person and a silent auction.

A GLORIOUS HISTORY
Thirty-four years of making craft fair history is no small feat. Held at the Old Wives' Tales feminist bookstore on Valencia Street in San Francisco, and organized by Carol Seajay, and Paula Wallace, the first event featured 22 craftswomen from the Bay Area and a couple of food vendors. The crafts show was a huge success. Even so, no one dreamed it would become the largest and most respected women's crafts fair in the nation. In 1980, the small founding group aligned with The Women's Building and moved its show into the newly purchased building.

Since its inception, the show has raised more than $1.7 million for The Women's Building. The Celebration of Craftswomen provides a unique opportunity for women of the arts, regardless of color or background to operate their own business within a supportive and engaged community for women, by women.

WHAT ABOUT THE WOMEN'S BUILDING
The Celebration's presenter, The Women's Building, is a multi-cultural community center where women and girls can achieve self-sufficiency and pursue their dreams.

The Women's Building's programs include a free bilingual Spanish/English information and referral service, educational support for low-income adults, financial counseling, and community events that promote arts, culture, and discussion. In addition, The Women's Building (located on 18th Street in San Francisco's Mission district) houses ten diverse community groups and has helped launch more than 160 women's programs and initiatives.

GETTING HERE
Why not use the bus? San Francisco is a transit friendly city. There are a number of lines that can get you to the Celebration. Here's an easy trip planner: http://www.511.org.

If you're planning on buying something big, like furniture, well we've got you covered... Fort Mason Center has paid parking available. Rates and more info are here: http://www.fortmason.org.

WE HEART THE INTERNET
The Celebration of Craftswomen loves the world of social media. You can keep track of our latest news, glimpse artist profiles and more when you like us on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/M9NxEJ). Follow our brief missives on Twitter (@CraftsWomenSF). Check out our newly designed website (.celebrationofcraftswome­n.org) and use Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/cra…) to show your favorite objects to your friends. Or better yet, create your pre-event shopping list!

IN A NUTSHELL
The Women's Building 34th Annual Celebration of Craftswomen, showcasing the work of more than 300 juried artists, takes place Saturdays and Sundays, November 24-25, and December 1-2 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all days at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

Admission is $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, students and disabled, and free for children ages 12 and under. All proceeds go toward helping the Women's Building provide both women and girls with the tools and resources needed to achieve full and equal participation in society.

Tickets to all Celebration of Women in Film programs including LUNAFEST and the Special Benefit screening of WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES will be available on-line beginning October 15.

A two-day pass good on any of the four days is $12.00 and can be purchased on-line beginning in October. The Celebration is wheelchair accessible. For more information please telephone 650-615-6838, email to [email protected], or visit celebrationofcraftswomen.org.