The holiday festivities have officially kicked off with the end of fall and the Evanston Women’s Club Holiday Bazaar. The bazaar took place on Nov. 18 and 19 at the club’s main building on the corner of Church St. and Chicago Ave. The facility was filled with craft and art makers alike, celebrating the artistic diversity Evanston has and allowing local artists to sell their work.
“It’s important to support artists in general. If you are buying from the artist, they are the person who’s produced it, their hard work and enjoyment of the craft goes into making it, [in contrast] to something that has been manufactured,” said Susan Lane, a designer based in Illinois.
In addition to providing a showcase for potential buyers, craft shows can provide inspiration for other artists.
“If you go to any craft show and are interested in learning how to craft and make things as an artist, you get inspired by seeing what other people are doing,” said Lane. “I think there is something very joyful about producing and making – I know I enjoy making things, designing, getting ideas, and expressing creativity. Anybody interested in the arts can benefit from any of the art shows, especially this one [that is] really well-curated.”
The Women’s Club has many different events throughout the year, such as their ‘Review,’ a variety show much like Evanston Township High School’s YAMO.
“We have a beneficiary every year and we raise money while also targeting the show towards whatever the beneficiary is that year. We also have a big dinner dance where we try to raise money for a large organization,” said a longtime Women’s Club member.
For many members, the club serves as a social and philanthropic outlet.
“It’s also not just women from Evanston, it’s women from the northern part of Chicago all the way up. The club is a great way to meet other women of all ages and abilities, learn about their lives and also work on community projects,” said one member. “Our thing is really getting out into the community and raising money for organizations or giving direct hours in support.”
