Okinawan Craft FairMay 3, 2025 (Saturday)
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. OAA Center Parking Lot (Outdoors) 16500 S. Western Ave., Gardena, CA 90247 FREE ADMISSION! (PARKING INFORMATION) |
沖縄クラフト•フェア２０２５年５月３日 (土曜日)
午前９時〜午後２時 OAA センターの駐車場 (屋外) 16500 S. Western Ave., Gardena, CA 90247 無料入場！ (駐車場については FAQ をご覧ください) |
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Support local artists, crafters, and designers
ranging from professionals to hobbyists and youth creatives! |
ABOUTFeaturing 26 vendor booths with creatives from across Southern California as well as Colorado, Northern California, Oceanside, and Temecula! The event will also include a white elephant sale, used books, and plants.
This outdoor boutique stands out in that it always features Okinawa-themed items such as accessories, art prints, bags, buttons/pins, ceramics, clothing, greeting cards, jewelry, postcards, stickers, and more. The OAA hopes that this will be a big draw, as Okinawan items are rarely available at local stores, festivals, and other fairs. The organization also hopes that the event will provide an unintimidating, community-based platform for youth artists, independent creators, and hobbyists to showcase their talents. The Okinawan Craft Fair was originally pitched in 2018 by then high school student Melissa Oshiro Tran, who has consistently volunteered at OAA activities since childhood. The first-ever “mini” craft fair was held in December with a humble six vendor tables. Due to its success, 2019 saw vendors and crowds nearly double. The OAA’s first large in-person event after the pandemic lockdown was the 2022 fair, which was scheduled for spring and held outdoors for safety purposes. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, it was decided to keep the fair as an outdoor spring event. Last year marked the first time featuring a vendor from outside of California. “Growing up, I didn’t have a strong connection to Okinawan community, so being here now feels incredibly special,” says Becca Doll-Tyler (Ninazuma Pottery), who traveled from Colorado to participate and plans to return on May 3. “The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, and I was inspired by how deeply attendees connected with handmade art and Okinawan culture.” In addition to highlighting Okinawan culture through art and design, the fair has become a place for creatives with Okinawan roots to meet, bond, and inspire each other. “[I love] all the great and wonderful people I’ve met over the years,” says Jody Lake (Jootoo Clothing), who drives from Temecula to participate almost every year. “The stories behind [everyone’s] crafts – it motivates me to continue and work harder. I feed off their passion for our culture!” “I feel so grateful to meet and bond with people who share similar histories,” says Doll-Tyler. “Each interaction felt meaningful – whether it was someone sharing why the hajichi or inscription [in my pottery] resonated with them or telling me who they were gifting a piece to. It was a beautiful exchange, filled with generosity and connection.” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
WHERE CAN I PARK?
In addition to street-side parking, limited free parking is available at Faith Works Church across the street from the OAA (16401 S. Western Ave., west side of Western Ave. next to Nisei Inn). Please respect the space and lock your car doors (the OAA is not liable for loss or damages). Faith Works Churchで無料駐車場。県人会会館の向かいにあるWestern Ave の西側、Nisei Inn の隣 (車のドアをロックしてください。OAA は紛失や損害について責任を負いません。) WHICH PAYMENT METHODS WILL BE ACCEPTED?
Payment methods differ from vendor to vendor, so guests are encouraged to bring both cash and credit card. WILL THERE BE FOOD?
Food or drinks will not be for sale. However, some vendors will have snacks available (baked goods, candies). (See vendors list below) CAN I BRING MY PET?
No – Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on site. Service animals are permitted. HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A VENDOR?
A vendor interest form is posted every year around January/February. Please keep an eye out on our social media pages or sign up for our monthly email list. IS MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED TO ATTEND?
No – This event is open to the public! (If you're interested in being a vendor at next year's event, there is an application fee discount for current OAA members.) |
ITEMS AND VENDORS
(Subject to change without notice)
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VENDORS • 売り手たち
(Listed vendors or items subject to change without notice)
(Listed vendors or items subject to change without notice)
- Aimee Buday, Kim Kobashigawa, Monica Solis – Journal covers, beeswax wraps, postcards, keyfobs, coasters, napkins, bookmarks, paper, pillows, potholders, gift tags, and bags; greeting cards, playing cards, pins, patches, and stickers; beaded jewelry, crocheted flowers, kumihimo keychains, knitted beanies, and handwoven scarves | Etsy (Kim) | Instagram (Kim) | Instagram (Monica)
- Hiro Melody Edington (from Oceanside!) – Scrunchies, sunglasses cases, keyfobs, bags
- Ghost Light Craft Company – Stuffed animals, charm bracelets, buttons/pins | Etsy | Facebook | Instagram
- Hello Sushi Store – Playful gift items inspired by Asian cuisine and culture including towels, blankets, t-shirts, stickers | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Rumiko Hirano – Handmade bags, Okinawan items, wood step stool, crocheted items
- Seiji Igei Nakaki, Lasha Tamae – Stickers, double-sided keychains, pins, postcards, magnets, sticker books, plushies, hats | Instagram (Seiji) | Instagram (Lasha) | Ko-Fi (Lasha) | Website (Seiji)
- Jane’s Homemade (from Berkeley!) – Baked goods, hard candies, gumdrops (all gluten-, dairy-, and egg-free; made with organic cane sugar and vegan-friendly ingredients) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Jootoo Clothing (from Temecula!) – Temecula-based clothing company fusing the uniqueness of Okinawan culture with the Southern California lifestyle | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Kawaii Craft Shop – Handmade Japanese-inspired jewelry and accessories including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, phone accessories, purse hooks, mirrors, bookmarks, magents, stationary, wine accessories, keychains, charms | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Madame Sakura Crafts – Washi paper jewelry and gifts, kimono fabric jewelry, candles, resin coasters | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Masu Originals – Handmade painted woodwares
- Melissa’s Creations – Stationary, trading cards, paintings, tote bags, stickers | Instagram
- Mi So Happi – Women's fashion items with kimono trim, accessories with obi and kimono, scarves, totes, cards | Etsy | Instagram | Website
- Mumin + Kii, Shima Playlist – Ceramics, hand-sewn items with Okinawan fabric; Okinawa-themed art, buttons, charms, original music, pins, postcards, playing cards, stickers, zines | Facebook (Shima Playlist) | Instagram (Shima Playlist) | Ko-Fi (Shima Playlist)
- Natsuko Designs – Handmade pottery
- Ninazuma Pottery (from Colorado!) – Handmade pottery with Okinawan proverbs and hajichi patterns | Instagram | Website
- Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch – T-shirts, stickers | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Shima Veggies (from Oakland!) – Okinawan plant seedlings (goya, moui, nabera, fuchibaa/mugwort, koregusu pepper, roselle hibiscus), dried teas, dried peppers, hibiscus shiso furikake | Instagram
- Carol Shiraki-Kaneshiro – Handmade items including sun catchers, windchimes, painted rocks, mini succulent gardens, fairy wands for yard plants
- Shop Megumi – Handmade eco-friendly recycled paper greeting cards and post-consumer waste recycled paper art prints, waterproof vinyl stickers, beaded jewelry and rings/keychains, succulents | Etsy
- Sirmasterknight – Art prints, stickers, keychains | Instagram | Website
- Studio Nakama – Handmade ceramics | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae No Kai – Kimonos, Okinawan wooden signs, flower and bingata stickers, craft paper cranes, Kansen Kai t-shirts | Facebook | Instagram | Website
- Kellie Toyama – Art prints and screenprinted works featuring hajichi symbols and bingata imagery | Etsy | Instagram
- White Mountain Treasures – Dish towels, lanyards, bags, jackets
- Diana Yamashiro – Handmade bags including made with kimono fabric
OAA MERCHANDISE
Books, buttons, stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, and more!
OAA WHITE ELEPHANT SALE
(Note: Donated items are lightly used and have been checked for damage; majority of items are not Okinawa-related)
OAA USED BOOK SALE (BENEFITTING THE OAA LIBRARY)
(Note: Donated items are varying in age and quality; majority of books are not Okinawa-related)
OAA PLANT SALE
Books, buttons, stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, and more!
OAA WHITE ELEPHANT SALE
(Note: Donated items are lightly used and have been checked for damage; majority of items are not Okinawa-related)
OAA USED BOOK SALE (BENEFITTING THE OAA LIBRARY)
(Note: Donated items are varying in age and quality; majority of books are not Okinawa-related)
OAA PLANT SALE
Help us provide a community-friendly platform for local creatives!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
ボランティアが必要 None of our activities would be possible without the time and effort of dedicated volunteers! (Service hours available for students)
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MAKE A DONATION
寄付する Your tax-deductible monetary donation will help with offsetting necessary expenses that make this event possible! Please send a check or money order to:
16500 S. Western Ave. #103 Gardena, CA 90247 (Or, donate online via Ko-Fi) |