Bazaar Holidaze Pop-Up Shop offers last-minute, affordable art gifts

Dec. 18, 2017 1:07 PM PT

Scenario: Your _______ (girlfriend/boyfriend/mom/dad/best friend) loves art, but you think the price point is out of your plebeian reach. What to do? Enter Basile IE and CM Curatorial in Barrio Logan, which will have affordable artistic goodies on lockdown with a Bazaar Holidaze Pop-Up Shop.

Declaring “get your gift on!” the collection is available Dec. 19, 20 and 21, and includes limited edition prints, original artwork, graffiti bags, artists books and artist cards.

Ahead of the bazaar, PACIFIC caught up with Chris Martino for the inside scoop on the pop-up along with tips for collecting, gifting, and where to head after the big shopping trip.

PACIFIC: Give people the lowdown: what is the price range for art items during the pop-up?

CHRIS MARTINO: Prices for the bazaar range from $10 for a pack of 7 art cards with envelopes to $300-plus for original artworks. Limited edition prints run $20 to $50, original artwork $40 to $400, graffiti bags $150 to $400 and art hats at $40.

For someone who’s never bought art before, where do they start?

A great place to start for new collectors in training are limited edition prints and/or smaller original works. This provides an introductory way into collecting an artist without breaking the bank.

Three great tips I have used in my own collecting:

One, charity event silent auctions: This is a great place to acquire amazing art at below market prices while helping a worthwhile cause. Artists typically donate items with proceeds going to the charity so as long as the bid meets the minimum requirement — if there is one for the work in question — the highest bid wins. Work often only has a few bids — if any — and they typically start on the very low side.

Two, local artist studio visits: Another great opportunity to learn about work directly from the artist while typically getting a discount on the price as it’s not gallery retail.

Three, commission work: If you come across an artist whose work you like, ask about the possibility of a custom or commissioned work. Many artists are happy to work within a price range by modifying size, complexity, or time required to complete.

Name a couple of gifts from the Bazaar you really love.

The Cholo Batman print is local mural and (artist/activist) legend Mario Torero’s take on the caped crusader, Chicano style. This is a really well-known image now available as a ridiculously affordable print. Can’t lose!

The Graffiti Bags are repurposed handbags given new life with a jolt of color and dose of attitude. Because fashion is for people without style. The Art Hats are one-of-a-kind lids for the noggin that demands a little more than your average hat. In other words, art for your head.

What’s your favorite part of the holidays?

Queue sappy violins — decorating the tree with my son Ian. A close second, when they are over and I can put everything away.

After shopping the bazaar, where should people head next?

Grab a mexi-style hotdog at Cruisin’ just a block away, or go an extra block and get a serious taco at Salud! Head over to Border X Brewery right across from Salud! for their killer selection of local craft brews. Along the way, shop the galleries, stores and studios on the Logan Avenue Arts Corridor.