Gardena craft fair markings in Okinawa topic objects

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will be on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the OAA Center, 16500 S. Western Ave. in Gardena, her sixth annual Okinawan Craft Fair. Free admission.

The event has 26 manufacturers with creatives from Southern California as well as in Colorado, Northern California, Oceanside and Temecula and also includes a white elephant sale, used books and plants.

This outdoor boutique is noticeable in that it always has in Okinawa themed items such as accessories, art prints, bags, buttons/pens, ceramics, clothing, greeting cards, jewelry, post-cards, stickers and much more. The OAA hopes that this will be a big draw because Okinawan articles are rarely available in local shops, festivals and others.

The organization also hopes that the event offers youth artists, independent creators and hobbyists an unshakable, shared platform to demonstrate their talents.

The Okinawan craft fair was originally recorded in 2018 by Melissa Oshiro Tran Melissa Oshiro Tran, who have reported to OAA activities since childhood. The first “Mini” hinge fair took place in December with modest six providers. Because of his success twice in 2019, provider and crowds almost.

The first major personal event of the OAA after the Pandemie closure was the 2022 trade fair, which was planned for spring and was held outdoors for security purposes. Due to an overwhelming positive reaction, it was decided to keep the fair outdoors as a spring event.

Last year was the first time with a provider of outside of California.

“When I grew up, I didn't have a strong connection to the Okinawan community, so I feel incredibly special now,” says Becca Doll-Tyler (Ninazuma ceramics), who traveled from Colorado to take part and plan to return on May 3. “

In addition to art and design, the fair for creative with Okinawan roots shows to meet, connect and inspire each other.

“[I love] All the great and wonderful people that I have met over the years ” [everyone’s] Crafts – it motivates me to continue and work harder. I feed your passion for our culture! “

“I am so grateful that I meet people who share similar stories and combine them,” says Doll-Tyler. “Every interaction felt sensible – whether it [in my pottery] Resonate with them or told me who they gave a piece. It was a wonderful exchange, full of generosity and connection. “

Limited parking spaces in the FAITH Works Church. Pets are not allowed (duties allowed). For more information: (310) 532-1929, oaamensore.org/craftfair, Facebook/Instagram @oaamensore