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Facebook / Jenelle Esparza
Jenelle Esparza, artist and co-director of Presa House Gallery
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I would love to receive gifts from the folks at Millard Street Studios, a ceramic studio run by Diana Kersey. The artists there have frequent sales of their ceramic goods, both functional and decorative. They have a holiday sale scheduled for December 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 322 Millard St. Diana Kersey, (210) 573-7418, dianakersey.com.
The best locally produced gifts I received were a batch of cookies from Nora at Estudio Tlalli, a handwoven tapestry from the Mercado de Paz at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and a lotería card set from local author and friend Xelena Gonzalez.
It’s important for folks to shop local because it directly supports the artists and makers in their community. I enjoy gifting local goods to my friends and family because it’s always something unique and beautiful.
Francisco Cortes
Andrea Vocab Sanderson, City of San Antonio Poet Laureate 2020-2023
Nancy Scaife-Mullens [of Napp2reality] — one of her amazing clutches or purses. Napp2reality, napp2reality. com.
HerStory Boutique. I just got a chocolate maxi sweater from [Kenyada Bell] at an event the other sweater from [Kenyada Bell] at an event the other night. I would love to have more of night. I would love to have more of her clothing. HerStory Boutique, 1010 HerStory Boutique, 1010 S. Flores St., Suite 108, (210) 504S. Flores St., Suite 108, (210) 5047449, herstyletherapy.org. 7449, herstyletherapy.org.
Jewelry from Say That Jewelry from Say That Accessories. Naomi Williams — her copper Williams — her copper pieces are amazing. Say Say That Accessories, (414) That Accessories, (414) 502-7209, facebook.com/ 502-7209, facebook.com/ SayThatAccessories.
I won an Arts and Courtesy Photo / Napp2reality Le ers Award last year from Friends of San Antonio Public Library and was given some Mission candles. This year I fi nally met Marcie Anguiano, who owns the store. Mission Crafts Chandlery, 2915 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 865-2471, missionchandlery.com.
The women and men that own their own businesses, whom I know, create from a place of passion are defi nitely supporting their family with their craft. Their work is fresh, original and unique. You deserve something authentic that has a story behind it that you can retell to others when they compliment you on your amazing taste.
Bryan Rindfuss
Nydia Huizar, co-owner and designer of BarbacoApparel and the Tortilla Press
Calavera Crafters has this amazing Bar S Bologna ornament that brings the biggest smile to my face every time I see it on social media. I would love this on my tree and then as a year-round offi ce decoration. Calavera Crafters, 109 Blue Star, facebook.com/ calaveracrafters.
Gemini Vato released a few plush items this year, and the MR. CRISPYDOG is high up on my list. I have his fi rst Chale Tamale, and I love it! Gemini Vato, geminivato.com.
Anyone who knows me knows that I live for purses, and any of Breakfast Friend’s custom-painted bags would be a dream to own. I’m excited to see what her upcoming drop will include. Breakfast Friend, breakfastfriend.shop.
Hands-down, my luxe Karma Candle Makers Fiesta Sangria candle. The container this candle is in is absolutely beautiful and really enhances a space’s look and smell. Karma Candle Makers, karmacandlemakers. com.
Best gift I’ve given myself? NataziaNatazia’s iced tea Best gift I’ve given myself? NataziaNatazia’s iced tea earrings. Super cute and perfect for my South Texas earrings. Super cute and perfect for my South Texas sensibilities. NataziaNatazia, ins NataziaNatazia, instagram.com/natazianatazia.
Why is it important for people to shop local during the holito shop local during the holidays?
The holidays are the biggest shopping season of the year, so it’s a very important time, fi scally speaking, for local makers and cally speaking, for local makers and Courtesy Photo / Calavera businesses. This is our opportunity businesses. This is our opportunity Crafters to make up for our slower seasons and hopefully keep creating in the following year. Not only is shopping local a great way to boost our regional economy — which has countless benefi ts — but it’s a great way to help sustain local makers and businesses and keep them around for years to come. And for shoppers, it’s a great way to gift unique and thoughtful pieces to friends and family and themselves.
Valerie Reynolds, owner of Chica Verde
One of my favorite things about San Antonio are the pop-up markets that happen throughout the year and, of course, get super heavy around the holidays. These are the perfect opportunity to check out the artists, makers and importers who make San Antonio shine. If someone wanted to make me tear up and cry like you might see in a holiday diamond commercial, they would make this happen by gifting me with the following: 1. A pla er, mug, planter or any piece of amazingly colorful po ery made by one of my favorite San Antonio artists, Diana Kersey. She also holds occasional outdoor sales at her studio on Millard Street. Diana Kersey, (210) 573-7418, dianakersey.com. 2. I would love a citrine sun ring or a crescent moon pendant from Edge81 — jewelry made by local designer Edith Lymarie. Lots of silver and perfect li le gemstones. Simple but they make a statement for sure. Edge81 Jewelry, edge81.com. Edge81 Jewelry can also be found at Chica Verde. Chica Verde, 2314 San Pedro Ave., chicaverde.net. 3. My holidays would be made gift-wise if I were to receive a fresh print made by San Antonio artist Gilbert V. Martinez’s For Real Art. Currently, my eye is on a print called “Controller.” For Real Art, forreal.bigcartel.com.
Valerie Reynolds Edge81 Jewelry, edge81.com. Edge81 Jewelry can also be artist Gilbert V. Martinez’s For Real Art. Currently, my eye is on a print called “Control-
Courtesy Photo / Diana Kersey
The coolest locally produced gift I was lucky enough to receive was a holiday gift bag chock full of BarbacoApparel stickers, bu ons, a Periodic Table of Tacos T-shirt and the La Bamba — Bob yelling out “RITCHIE!” — T-shirt they once carried. All-time favorite! You can fi nd BarbacoApparel at holiday pop-ups, local retail shops and online. BarbacoApparel, barbacoapparel.com.
Local businesses give our city character and color. And when it comes to gift giving, something special bought from a local maker, artist, restaurant or shop is appreciated leaps and bounds over a basic big-box type gift.
Facebook / Eddie Hernandez
Eddie Hernandez, musician, DJ and owner of La Segunda Bartique & Gallery.
A bo le of Devil’s River Rye Whiskey. Why? Because they make a fi ne whiskey right here in San Anto! Devil’s River Whiskey, 401 E. Houston St., (833) 379-1840, devilsriverwhiskey.com.
Also, some handmade tamales by Sweet Chela’s Custom Cakes. Why? Because they’re some of the best in town! Sweet Chela’s Custom Cakes, 2118 Cincinnati Ave., (210) 897-0879, facebook.com/SweetChelas.
A T-shirt designed by local artist Robert Tatum of Choice Goods Gallery. It’s titled “Grey Pride” and has a rainbow of diff erent shades of grey instead of the spectrum colors. Why? When you see my hair, you’ll know why! Choice Goods Gallery, 1903 S. Flores St., Suite 104, (210) 902-0233, choicegoodsbrand.com.
It’s important to shop locally because, of course, it helps our economy and keeps our beautiful city thriving. But it also keeps our culture vibrant and alive! It’s especially nice to shop for local gifts for out-of-town friends and family.
Facebook / Angelina Mata
Angelina Mata, fashion designer
Three items I would love to receive from San Antonio-based artist and artisans would be: • A portrait from Cruz Ortiz. Burnt Nopal Creative Studio, burntnopal.com. • Two dozen custom hand-blown glasses from Justin Parr. Justin Parr, Instagram: @in_hot_water. • Another vermeil-dipped African bead necklace from Hazel Smyth. Hazel Smyth, (210) 573-6517, hazelsmyth.com.
A sketch local artist Jorge Villarreal made from coff ee and red wine. Jorge Villarreal, jorge-villarreal.com.
Courtesy Photo / Jorge Villareal
I enjoy buying local. It gives the shopper a chance to have a studio visit with the seller, designer or artist and to create a dialogue and an understanding of how the process for development of the product is achieved.
Courtesy Photo / Bexar Tonics
Maray McChesney, owner of Bexar Tonics
There are too many to narrow it down! • I would love gift cards or merch from locally owned breweries and restaurants because I just love food and beer, especially in San Antonio. • I also love the locally made gifts that you can fi nd at Feliz Modern and Feliz Modern Pop. Feliz Modern, multiple locations, felizmodern.com. • Local art and jewelry. • Anything from BarbacoApparel. BarbacoApparel, barbacoapparel.com.
Again! Too many to narrow down! But if I had to choose, my favorite locally produced gifts I’ve received are: • Handmade jewelry from El Puno Y La Mano. El Puno Y La Mano, elpunoylamano.bigcartel.com. • A custom succulent arrangement from No. 9 Floral, Chocolates & Gifts. No. 9 Floral, Chocolates & Gifts, 1701 Blanco Road, (210) 232-4471, no9fl oralandgifts.com. • A class card from The Synergy Studio. The Synergy Studio, 701 N. Alamo St., (210) 824-4225, thesynergystudio.com.
It’s important to shop local during the holidays because it helps to support our local economy, it helps to keep our friends and neighbors thriving and it also helps to reduce our carbon footprint.
Josh Huskin
Mary Heathcott, Blue Star Contemporary executive director
There are so many SA-made items I’d love to receive. Here are a few: Guten Co. Ceramics. I especially love the earrings, minimalist colors and bold forms. I was gifted a pair by a friend, and I love them. Guten Co. Ceramics, gutenco.com.
Anything from Breakfast Friend — I love the whimsical wearables and accessories of Bárbara Miñarro. Handbags embellished with pats of bu er, necklaces with mini croissants and bright beads. Breakfast Friend, breakfastfriend.shop.
Burnt Nopal posters, bandanas and totes. Cruz Ortiz’s work is iconic, and BN brings a colorful, Spanglish bent to powerful messages of love and activism. Burnt Nopal Creative Studio, burntnopal.com.
Sonsuz womenswear. For Angelina Mata’s luxe contemporary take on kaftans and creative silhoue es in beautiful fabrics. Sonsuz, facebook. com/sonsuzstyle.
What’s the best
locally pro- Courtesy Photo / Breakfast Friend
duced gift you’ve ever received?
There is no greater gift in my opinion than the gift of art. Artworks by SA artists have been my most treasured and favorite presents over time. Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960, bluestarreddot.org.
Don’t we all want to live in a vibrant community that sustains creativity and off ers options that are not replicated in every other city? I certainly do. Shopping here means investing in the people who make SA great.
Timo Nuñez
Tamara Adira, artistic director for Arte y Pasión
A giant toro painting by Franco Mondini-Ruiz. Franco Mondini-Ruiz, etsy.com/shop/FMondiniRuizPurses.
I would love to receive a trunk of goodies from Kat Day’s Imaginarium Wonder Emporium. Kat has curated amazing surprises from all over the world, collecting oddities new and antique, and breathing life into theatrical objects from the mundane to the arcane. She has a unifi ed vision of magic and theatrical, ranging from thrift costumes, to masks, toiletries, herbs, perfumes, art and jewelry. There is nothing like a li le magic and wonder, and Kat brings all of it. The Imagination Wonder Emporium, theimaginariumwonderemporium.com.
A pass to Agosto Cuellar’s vintage store, Augustine. Agosto is an award-winning fashion designer who not only sells some of his own work but breathes life back into vintage pieces by repurposing them in unexpected and wonderful ways. Augustine, 1414 S. Alamo St. #108B, instagram.com/iloveaugustine_vintage.
Anything, anything, anything from the Brick at Blue Star Art Market. Brick at Blue Star Art Market, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653, brickatbluestar.com.
Two hand-cast sterling silver rings, one for each middle fi nger, handcrafted by metalsmith Alejandro Sifuentes. Equinox Gallery, 418 Villita St., Bldg. 4, (210) 281-0706, alejandrosifuentes.com.
It is truly magical when you can make something with your hands or your own goodwill, and then be able to support yourself with the income produced from that. By supporting local artists and entrepreneurs, you are nurturing the arts and reaffi rming the value to those artists to continue nurturing the arts in themselves.
NOVEMBER 11-DECEMBER 24
*Holiday Wine Sale runs 11/11/2021-12/24/2021. Discount applies to six or more bottles of wine. No further discount on Sale Items, Final Few, or Closeouts. Sale valid in-store and online at www.twinliquors.com. Some exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.
More Local Choices
10 additional gifts from San Antonio makers that will brighten someone’s holiday
BY BRYAN RINDFUSS
Wait! Before you do a belly fl op on holiday shopping and start snapping up unimaginative gift cards, consider these 10 gift ideas that support and celebrate San Antonio artists, artisans, designers, retailers, chefs, even architects.
Augustine Earrings
Sustainable local designer Agosto Cuellar stocks his new Blue Star boutique Augustine with vintage fi nds, one-of-akind creations and reconfi gured accessories — including whimsical earrings he crafts from costume jewelry. $11-$44, Augustine, 1414 S. Alamo St. #108B, instagram.com/iloveaugustine_vintage.
Bryan Rindfuss
BarbacoApparel ‘Mexican Plate #3’ Onesie
Alamo City original BarbacoApparel serves up another helping of hyper-local humor with a new onesie advertising Tex- Nydia Huizar Mex baby formula infused with manteca y maiz. $17, barbacoapparel.com.
Breakfast Friend Purses
Local artist Bárbara Miñarro celebrates baked goods, fruit, refreshments and salty snacks with hand-painted purses she sells like hotcakes on her website and Instagram (@breakfastfriend) — not to mention a limited-edition collection landing soon at the McNay gift shop. $110-$145, breakfastfriend.shop.
Courtesy Photo / Breakfast Friend
Cured Pickles
Briny stocking stuff ers for the pickle lover in your life, Cured’s jarred goodies include pickled okra, carrots, beets, tomatoes and even watermelon rinds. $10, Cured at Pearl, 306 Pearl Parkway, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com.
Veronica Luna
Lake|Flato Houses: Respecting the Land
Sure to land under the trees of architecture buff s across Texas, this handsome new Rizzoli book dropping Nov. 30 showcases 16 houses (“from ranches in Texas and Wyoming to family homes in upstate New York”) that exemplify the distinctive work of award-winning San Antonio/Austin fi rm Lake|Flato. $85, pre-order at rizzolibookstore.com.
Left Foot Leather Wallets
“Made with love in Texas,” the homegrown line Left Foot Leather specializes in stylish wallets local artisan Brad Hammonds meticulously handcrafts from leather he sources from the U.S., Italy and Japan. $120-$240, leftfootleather.com.
Courtesy Photo / Left Foot Leather
Lunchroom Anxiety Totes
San Antonio native Bronte Treat uses a century-old chainstitch embroidery machine to create Cosmic Cowboy-inspired patches, apparel collabs with the Richter Co. and perfectly giftable totes embellished with licking fl ames, groovy horses and snarling puppies. $200, lunchroomanxiety.com.
Courtesy Photo / Lunchroom Anxiety
Rancho Diaz Ornaments
Feliz Modern’s sophisticated li le sister Rancho Diaz is brimming with unique gifts — from carved Oaxacan candles and ceramics to vintage barware and charcuterie boards — along with an eclectic array of ornaments certain to delight even the fussiest of trees. $7-$29, Rancho Diaz, 303 Pearl Parkway #101, (210) 670-5509, ranchodiaz.com.
Bryan Rindfuss
Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico Coloring Book
Promising colorful stress relief for the young at heart, this playful companion to the Trinity University Press book compiles 24 portraits of Latina trailblazers — including Emma Tenayuca, Frida Kahlo, Gloria Anzaldúa, Dolores Huerta, Sandra Cisneros and Ellen Riojas Clark — created by San Antonio artists Kathy and Lionel Sosa. $9.95, tupress.org.
Courtesy Image / Trinity University Press
Sierra Diablo Jalantro Salsa
Named after a small Texan mountain range in the Chihuahuan Desert, this delectable new salsa concocted by San Antonio natives Erick and Josie Gill Schlather is a creamy yet dairy-free blend of jalapeños, Anaheim peppers and cilantro that comes in three spice levels and doubles as a marinade. $6.49, Central Market, 4821 Broadway, (210) 368-8600, centralmarket.com.
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