【??????? ??? ????? ????】Gardena Craft Fair Highlights Okinawa

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

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