...kpfa, spirit figures and me

Kpfa Craft Fair.... journey....

With my friend, and co-exhibitor Valerie Runningwolf bravely behind the wheel of a really big monster cargo van...really BIG....we headed for San Francisco to participate in the two day KPFA 40th Annual Crafts Fair...

as we left Clovis, where Valerie lives I noticed this...and wondered if it was an omen?

I didn't take many pictures that were good but I  like this one crossing over the Bay Bridge into the City..

And this billboard, I love this billboard...
it overlooked the parking lot at the Concourse and a friend sent me this photo..
isn't it beautiful?....they were so talented, everyone knows their amazing music..
their music is in the background of my life...
and at one time or other I had a crush on each of them....except Ringo,
 he was just a little to silly.
I miss George and john....I saw Paul in concert not too long ago and it was wonderful, but the 4 together.....truly magic...and the magic lives on...very cool.

We arrived for Friday night set up....I have never seen a crazier parking lot....
artist everywhere...all 200 maybe...
Parking and unloading into the building...a very narrow parking lot with a lot of cargo vans and very small cars...people every where...hustle and bustle...lot's to do in a certain time span.  The parking lot was even crazier when it came time to load up and leave.  A woman in her little car was telling her friends she had been in 3 wrecks in that parking lot and then she pulled forward and hit a trailer hitch... #4.


A very special part of Friday night was a vegetarian dinner for all the artists...
it was free and fabulous...and sort of set the tone for the weekend.
 We checked into the Cow Hallow Manor, a cool place  in the Marina District...and it includes parking...a big deal....and I love the name.  The we took a 
we walk that evening,,,,checked out restaurants and did a little people watching people watching...
The City is gorgeous ....all lit up for the holidays..
Morning came quickly...we took a taxi to the Concourse to avoid parking the monster van in the tiny parking lot...

Me of course...Saturday morning...

I have to tell I had the best time...I met so many interesting people...people who wanted to share their story or hear mine...people who wanted to know why I do what I do...What the figures mean....the stories.

It was awesome for me to get to share....it was an outer body experience at times...often very spiritual in nature...

Some of the people who came to my booth knew who I was...

knew about my figures...amazing!

I talked more in those two days than I do in two months normally.....and Valerie and I talked a lot to.....

Sunday after the show we talked until 3AM...

We got to know each other in a whole new way..

I was a little hoarse on Monday..

This is Bruce Smith...he was across the isle from us exhibiting beautiful block prints...

he is a veteran of the show...9th year I think...

he was really helpful and somehow had a very calming effect on me...

I liked having him there...

My beautiful goddess friend Maggi Belle...Look at those amazing pants...
I was so happy to see her!  

She is an inspiration.

Music and Honey

Our shared space....

Valerie looking cute.

I love her masks...

Another view..

and this sweet couple.... more inspiration!

Mr and Mrs Claus maybe?

and the clothes...oh my...so wonderful...unique...exquisitely  crafted..
.these where some of my favorites and there were others...
I just didn't have the time to take photos of them all...

there were beautiful hats and scarves...everything wearable art...there was even a custom  designer shoemaker...

Lot's of functional art...these clocks were georgeous...and custom childrens clothing, functional pottery...and the jewelry...
just so unique and every piece a work of art...

.

The patrons of this show were serious about who they wanted to see, and they were there to shop and seemed to know they would find something that they couldn't live without...
or the perfect gift...
there are going to be some happy people on Christmas morning.

And this is Franklin....

a knight in shining armor... 

And a cheerful one...

I was always a little happier seeing his smile...

and he made sure I had the help I needed when it came time to break down...

truly a gift

I really can't say enough about how wonderful this show is...well run...a great cause that really resonates with me, .a lot of caring for the artists, great food and music...

beautiful venue, friendly people, free trade items, amazing artist, cheerful volunteers, helpful volunteers...

new friends...

a memorable time.