It’s only fitting for a venue named after the Danish phrase for “elves on a hill” to hold a Santa’s workshop of sorts during the holiday season.
Based on appearance alone, spectators probably won’t recognize the event’s 11 participating artisans as traditional Christmas elves, yet they share a mutual knack for building toys and other giftable accessories from scratch.
Described as a unique multi-day opportunity for holiday shoppers, Makers Market at the Elverhoj Museum in Solvang allows guests to not only shop for locally produced, handcrafted goods, but to meet and greet with the items’ creators as well—and learn about each of their artistic processes.
Outside of organizing the event, Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director at Elverhoj Museum, is also one of the market’s frequent customers.
“Collectively, these artisans do work of a superior quality, and I am lucky to have purchased many of their goods for gifts—and for myself,” said Bates, who set out to hold a different kind of holiday event than the museum has become accustomed to hosting over the years.
“COVID-19 forced us to rethink seasonal events at Elverhoj,” Bates said. “Queen of Arts and our annual Christmas party—always a highlight of the year—were canceled again this year. We pivoted to a new way of celebrating the seasons, while promoting local artists and artisans.”
Bates and the museum’s staff sought to put on a weekly market (held on three consecutive Saturdays in December) that would showcase a variety of handcrafted wares, ranging in price and targeted demographic (with items for children and adults alike). The next step was narrowing down a handful of local crafters to participate, which Bates described as a somewhat daunting task in a region as arts-driven as the Central Coast.
“There are many talented artisans in our community, so it was a thoughtful process, as this group of 11 was assembled,” said Bates, who added that each featured artisan in the market is donating 20 percent of their sales proceeds to benefit future programming at the Elverhoj Museum.
Guests of the Makers Market should keep in mind which date they decide to attend, as the participating artists’ meet-and-greet designations differ (with about three to four artists present per day). The event begins on Dec. 4, which will highlight wood crafter Scott Bruhn, hand-dyed-scarf maker Emily Abello, and jewelry designers Diana Paul and Lori McConnell.
The Makers Market continues on Dec. 11, with showcases of original bags and scarves by Georganne Alex, Danish-inspired beaded jewelry by Kristen Bates, functional needle art by Mary Ann Manmone, and wooden crafts by Mark Infanti (handcrafted using wood from local trees).
The series concludes on Dec. 18, with a finale scheduled to include appearances by modern folk artist and crafter Syd McCutcheon, ceramic artist Shelley Nakano, and fiber artist Mary Stanley (whose kid-friendly selection includes teddy bears and other potential holiday gifts).
Aside from the Makers Market, Bates said the museum is finding additional ways to celebrate the holidays through offerings at its main year-round gift store (through seasonal specials and discounts on several products, including toys, books, and jewelry).
Bates added that even before the Makers Market’s upcoming premiere, amid the start of Solvang’s Julefest festivities in late November, the museum has already been attracting holiday shoppers—both locals and tourists.
“The museum is decked out for the holidays,” Bates said, “and we have been busy welcoming guests from around the corner and across the state.”
Deck out Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s inbox at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 2-9, 2021.
