The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will host their sixth annual Okinawan Craft Fair on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the OAA Center’s parking lot, 16500 S. Western Ave. in Gardena. Free admission.
Featuring 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, post-cards, 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.”
Limited parking available across the street at Faith Works Church. Pets not allowed (service animals permitted). For more information: (310) 532-1929, oaamensore.org/craftfair, Facebook/Instagram @oaamensore
G2 survive Spirit scare to go 2
Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for December 14
Twitter suspends several tech journalists without explanation
'Among Us' and 'Glass Onion' team up for Benoit Blanc skin
nitr0: "I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to try again"
Here's what went down during the FTX Congressional hearing
Minecraft server for kids dealing with grief creates space to have fun
Twitter suspends account that tracks Elon Musk's private jet
FaZe find form to eliminate 9INE from Paris
Here are the 8 best gadgets of 2022
OCBC August Aloha Dance Reservation Deadline Extended to Aug. 27
Some Twitter profile pics are now square. Here's why.
'Among Us' and 'Glass Onion' team up for Benoit Blanc skin
FTC lays down massive fines on 'Fortnite'
'Sake
Apple will allow third
Argentina vs Croatia livestream: How to watch the World Cup semifinal match live
'Avatar: The Way of Water's' 3D high frame rate scenes, explained
Jodi Long’s ‘Surfing DNA’ Closes Sept. 29
Albie from 'The White Lotus' and the misogyny of the performative Nice Guy
Facebook Connect: Pay no attention to the scandal behind the curtainYou can now move your WhatsApp chat history from iPhone to Android (but there's a catch)Interactive map shows how state abortion bans might impact reproductive healthcare accessAir fryer bacon, egg, and cheese TikTok recipe is noWhat's the difference between a healthy and abusive relationship? Reddit can help.Uber lands 50,000 Tesla cars for drivers to rent in the U.S.How to watch Apple TV on FireStickUber lands 50,000 Tesla cars for drivers to rent in the U.S.Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, writes to Congress asking for paid leave for allEverything coming to Amazon Prime Video in November Japan's Sodateru Towel Launches in U.S. with Giveaway for Rafu Readers Wade Ishimoto to Speak at Virtual Memorial Day The Impact on Other Lives Japanese Heritage Night with the Giants Nisei Soldier Stamp of Approval A Law to Fight Anti Evictions Stalled; Pacifica Must Reissue Eviction Notices Due to Code Violations CDC Says to Avoid Travel to Japan AADAP Announces Change in Leadership Legislation Would Make Amache a National Historic Site
0.1562s , 9846.984375 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【?? ???】Gardena Craft Fair Highlights Okinawa,Feature Flash
