The gift handmade with care slows down the holiday rush. A ribboned bag filled with the flavorful friction of pepitas con chile. The coarse equanimity of a naked wreath. A paper mache swan nearing end of flight, neck curved, feet arched and calloused. A knitted prospect, a stocking stuffer, a t-shirt of mounting four-letter words: “tint, fart, tart, date, hope….” Crocheted snowflakes that fall on nose and eyelashes, hot chocolate that leaves tongue burns and whipped cream mustaches, and since we’ve no place to go, let it flow, let it flow, yes let it flow.
Mission Loc@l Photo Exhibit and Silent Auction
Featuring photography by Mission Loc@l‘s reporters. Thurs., Dec. 3. 7pm-11pm. L’s Caffe, 2871 24th St. (btw Florida and Bryant)
Eat, drink and buy appetizing gifts from local entrepreneurs. Plus give-aways, raffles and more. Fri., Dec. 4. 4pm-9pm. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission St. (at 25th)
Galería de la Raza “Crucero Artero Navideño”
One-of-a-kind treasures made by artists and artisans. Warm your body and spirit with chocolate caliente, empanadas, craft making and holiday music. Dec. 4-20. Fridays & Saturdays 3pm-8pm. Sundays 1pm-6pm. Galería de la Raza, 2857 24th St. (at Bryant)
MCCLA “Carnival of the Animals”
Paper mache animals created by Colette Crutcher and her students, created as lobby décor for SF Symphony’s recent Dia de los Muertos concert. Exhibition runs from Dec. 4 through Dec. 17. Live Auction on Thurs., Dec. 17 at 7pm. Free. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission St. (near 25th)
Creativity Explored Holiday Art Sale
Unique and remarkable art at affordable prices. Also original notecards, shirts and wrapping paper. Dec. 4 through Dec. 23. Opening reception on Fri., Dec. 4, 6pm-9pm. Opening weekend Dec. 5 & 6, 1pm-6pm. Creativity Explored, 3245 16th St. (at Guerrero)
Immaculate Conception Academy Holiday Bazaar
Gift baskets, home-baked items, handmade jewelry, holiday ornaments and more. Sat., Dec. 5. 9am-2pm. Immaculate Conception Academy, 3625 24th St. (at Guerrero)
Party for Socialism and Liberation Holiday Sale
Affordable books, music, arts and crafts. Two Saturdays, Dec 5 & 12. 10am-3pm. Party for Socialism and Liberation, 2489 Mission St., Suite #28 (at 21st Street)
Make-Out Room Holiday Craft Fair
Local holiday gift shopping and hot toddies. Sat., Dec. 5. 12pm-5pm. No cover. Make-out Room, 3225 22nd St. (near Bartlett)
Precita Eyes Holiday Bazaar and Book Signing
Original art work by local artists, contributing artists signing copies of “Street Art San Francisco: Mission Muralismo”, and live music by DJ Special K. Sat., Dec. 5. 7pm-11pm. Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center, 2981 24th St. (btw Harrison and Alabama)
Art Explosion Studios Holiday Art Sale
An evening of art and open studio with over 60 artists. Gifts of art and jewelry, free refreshments and good cheer. Opening reception Fri., Dec. 11. 7pm-11pm. Art Explosion Studios, 2425 17th St. (at Portrero)
Outdoor market of arts and crafts, textiles, clothes, purses, iPod cases, jewelry, flowers, music and more. Every Saturday. 24th and Mission St.
Indoor local artisans/traders market. Music, bar, cafe and more. Every Saturday. 11am-6pm. Sub-Mission Gallery, 2183 Mission St. (at 18th)