Art Star Craft Bazaar

My, how this little art show's grown.

by Lauren Fleming

[ shopping/style ]

The Art Star Craft Bazaar started out small: In its first year, 25 artists peddled their wares at pint-size folding tables. Now, six years later, it's a whole different story — co-founders Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster say the event is too big for the pretty-damn-big Penn's Landing.

"With about 145 artists participating and only so much table space, we've had to become more selective," says Waxman. "At first, we didn't jury our shows. But now we have to."

Waxman and Brewster say they chose this year's artists according to how well their aesthetic fit into the ladies' cutesy NoLibs store, Art Star Boutique & Gallery. Occasionally, though, it was merely a gastric decision. "Sometimes it's just about going with our gut," says Waxman.

Featured crafts include old-fashioned candles by Berd & Beed, handmade shirts with a pop-punk twist by Nicole Carey (pictured), silk-screened tote bags by Julie West and futuristic dresses by Better Than Jam. In addition to vendors, the bazaar will host several indie bands, including Photon Band, Gildon Works, Like a Fox and Toy Soldiers.

If you're an early bird, arrive promptly at 11 a.m. and you'll score free items from vendors. And yes, before noon on a weekend is early. Clearly.

Sat.-Sun., May 30-31, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Chestnut Street and Columbus Boulevard, 215-238-1557, artstarcraftbazaar.com.