Local

Need a unique, last-minute gift? Try one of these 5 SLO County makers markets

Shoppers look over the selection of gift items at the SLOcally Made store in San Luis Obispo.
Shoppers look over the selection of gift items at the SLOcally Made store in San Luis Obispo.

Christmas is quickly closing in, and if you are still searching for the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones, look no further than these local makers markets that showcase the best handmade goods in San Luis Obispo County.

From hand-painted ornaments to children’s toys, these markets span the entire county and a range of unique one-of-a-kind gifts — and good news, a few of them even last beyond Christmas Day.

Did we miss an upcoming local market? Send the information to reporter Kaytlyn Leslie at kleslie@thetribunenews.com.

The Morro Bay Art Association is holding its Winter Faire and Craft Show at the Art Center Morro Bay.
The Morro Bay Art Association is holding its Winter Faire and Craft Show at the Art Center Morro Bay. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com


Art Center Morro Bay

Where: Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main Street

When: Winter Faire held noon to 4 p.m. through Jan. 3, Winter Market held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 18

What it is: Art Center Morro Bay is hosting a series of winter-themed events showcasing the work of local artists. Through the month of December and into January, the Morro Bay Art Association will hold its Winter Faire and Craft Show, showcasing the work of Robert Doge and Margaret Bertrand. According to the association’s website, the event will include “a collective of exceptional paintings, photography and fine arts.” It will also include fiber art, wood, glass and jewelry crafts.

On Dec. 18, the association will host a special Winter Market featuring art, holiday music and treats on the patio, as well as the ongoing Winter Faire and Craft Show. The association is also holding a monthlong fundraiser, selling ornaments hand-painted and decorated by Morro Bay Art Association members. Proceeds from the fundraiser go to support the association.

More info: artcentermorrobay.org

Birchwood Garden

Where: Birchwood Garden, 323 W Tefft St., Nipomo

When: Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What it is: The pop-up boutique at Birchwood Garden in Nipomo will bring together goods from 23 vendors, including jewelry and accessories that make perfect last-minute gifts.

More info: birchwoodnipomo.com

The SLOcally Made shop is open again at the Downtown Centre in San Luis Obispo, offering art and gift items created by local makers.
The SLOcally Made shop is open again at the Downtown Centre in San Luis Obispo, offering art and gift items created by local makers. Lauren Tarica

SLOcally Made

Where: 881 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 24

What it is: The pop-up shop returns to downtown San Luis Obispo this year, featuring the hand-crafted goods of a number of local artists like organizers Sadie Rogers and Kerry Long. The market provides a “one-stop makers-shop for the community to shop local during the holidays,” according to the SLOcally Made website.

This year the market features toys, clothing, makeup, jewelry, pottery, home goods and more.

More info: slocally-made.com

SLO Makers Space, SLO-Made Holiday Faire

Where: SLO Makers Space, 81 Higuera St., suite 160, San Luis Obispo

When: Dec. 21, 3 to 8 p.m.

What it is: SLO Makers Space will host a holiday artist fair in San Luis Obispo for artists to sell their wares on Dec. 21. The market will feature goods from local artists including painted wooden ornaments, children’s toys, jewelry and dog accessories. Visitors can also learn how to create felt mistletoe ornaments and watercolor gift tags, and even take home a laser-cut snowflake.

More info: slomakerspace.com/slo-made-faire

Studios on the Park, Handcrafted for the Holidays

Where: Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Jan. 3.

What it is: Craftspeople from San Luis Obispo County and beyond are featured at an exhibition and retail sale at the Paso Robles art space. Goods for sale include candles, ornaments, ceramics, wall art, jewelry, stationery, painted rocks and accessories, according to the Studios on the Park website.

A portion of sales goes to Studios on the Park to “make the creative process available to the public,” according to the website.

More info: studiosonthepark.org

The SLOcally Made shop is open again at the Downtown Centre in San Luis Obispo, offering art and gift items created by local makers.
The SLOcally Made shop is open again at the Downtown Centre in San Luis Obispo, offering art and gift items created by local makers. Lauren Tarica
The Morro Bay Art Association is holding its Winter Faire and Craft Show at the Art Center Morro Bay. Rhys Manning painted the rainbow paintings in the foreground.
The Morro Bay Art Association is holding its Winter Faire and Craft Show at the Art Center Morro Bay. Rhys Manning painted the rainbow paintings in the foreground. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
The Morro Bay Art Association is holding its Winter Faire and Craft Show at the Art Center Morro Bay. Jody Lee created these ceramic miniatures.
The Morro Bay Art Association is holding its Winter Faire and Craft Show at the Art Center Morro Bay. Jody Lee created these ceramic miniatures. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Kaytlyn Leslie
The Tribune
Kaytlyn Leslie writes about business and development for The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Hailing from Nipomo, she also covers city governments and happenings in San Luis Obispo. She joined The Tribune in 2013 after graduating from Cal Poly with her journalism degree.
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