Local ‘Bizarre Bazaar’ offers the gift of art
Annual holiday event is, in a word, unique
PAWTUCKET — With Christmas approaching and Santa Claus' arrival down chimneys across Rhode Island just two weeks away, shoppers from around the region descended upon Resources for Human Development-Rhode Island's Pawtucket headquarters for the annual “Bizarre Bazaar” holiday art show.
The bazaar played host to a variety of art programs from around the area with handmade arts, crafts, and gifts created by local artists with disabilities. On display and available for purchase on Saturday were paintings, pillows, jewelry, Christmas cards, notepads, pictures, and
plenty more.
For Providence resident Susan Peloquin, it was her third time visiting the Commerce Street gallery to observe a variety of unique art.
“There's nothing more enjoyable than coming here … I love unusual things, it's not run-of-the-mill, every piece is really unique and the people who do the art here are really not concerned with all the rules and having everything just so perfect,” she said. “I love it.”
Meeting the artists and hearing their stories, she said, added to the impact of shopping at the bazaar, as visitors now knew the creators behind the works they were buying.
“It's great, it's a lot of fun to talk to them because they have such pride in their work and they're so enthusiastic,” she said.
Peloquin said she was shopping for both herself and her friends, noting that “there's always something new and there's always something different.” In years past, she's gone home with sculptures, paintings, and embroidery.
And with the holiday season in full swing, the bazaar was a one-stop shop for everyone on her list – includ- ing herself, she added with a laugh.
“Well it's always great to have an early Christmas present for yourself,” she said with a smile. “Just a minute ago, I was texting a friend in New York and she wanted me to find something for her, because she likes the things I come home with.”
Local resident Cheryl Babiec said that the art on display was different, but in a very good and unique way.
“It's interesting and different,” Babiec said. “I bought a couple of things for a dollhouse, my brother bought hand-blown seashell ornaments which you normally don't see, we bought some woven products like place mats, beautiful pictures that are local. You've got a variety, it's a little off-beat and personal.”
As a city resident, she emphasized the importance of buying and shopping locally.
“To me, it's good to support different agencies in the area. It's a good time to try to pick up something different as gifts instead of the traditional stuff,” she said. “I think it is important because I live in Pawtucket and it's good to support Pawtucket agencies and businesses. It's our local economy and if we don't support it, who will?”