The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks,
The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and
spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."
The 25th Annual Holiday Craft Fair gives shoppers a chance to beat the holiday shopping rush and the opportunity to give a gift twice over, not only buying gifts for loved ones but also supporting student groups who are raising funds for various departments on campus.
The craft fair, which opened yesterday, is located in the Student Center Hall of Fame and International Lounge areas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, and complimentary parking and shuttle rides from the SIU Arena parking lot are also available.
Ronald Dunkel, coordinator of the Craft Shop, said more student groups are participating in this year's craft fair than in the past.
"Not only are you buying a gift, but you're giving a gift to the students," Dunkel said. "You're giving two gifts for the price of one."
Kenneth Carr and his son, Bryan, a senior in radio-television, with the help of DigiDawg Records, put together Sounds of the Holidays at SIUC, which is available at their booth. The CD features students, faculty and staff performing singing and readings for the holiday season. Chancellor Walter Wendler and former Sen. Paul Simon, director of the Public Policy Institute, are among those featured. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
"We released them Tuesday night and sold a little over 100 copies, so they are selling pretty steadily," Bryan said.
Dunkel, who has been with the Craft Shop since 1983, said last year's craft fair drew 45,000 people over a three-day span and draws "a lot of everybody.
"The Student Center is the hub of the University," Dunkel said. "It's not hard for them to get here; they're already here."
The Graduate Association of Painters and Printmakers also has a booth set up featuring prints from various artists within the organization.
Phil Davis, a graduate student in art from Cincinnati, said GAPP will use the money earned from the craft sale for equipment, professional development and travel expenses to conferences. He said they have sold $2,500 worth of merchandise so far.
Shoppers will also find plenty of handmade items including wreaths, glass ornaments, jewelry, hats, candles, woodworking and gift baskets.
There were an abundance of tables set up for the 81 vendors participating in the craft fair. People strolled from table to table looking for just the right gift for themselves, family and friends.
Sharon Collins of Murphysboro said she tries to come to the craft fair every year. She said the fair offers unique gifts for unique people.
"Everything looks good," Collins said. "Usually by Friday, more things are happening. It's a great event."
Lorenzo Cristaudo, who owns The Glass Infinity, which specializes in sculptural art glass lampworking, has participated in the fair for two years and said he receives excellent business.
"It's always been a good sale, and people are excited," Cristaudo said. "I actually sold a couple of items before we opened."
Cristaudo has small and medium vases ranging from $20 to $40 and fumed ornaments and fruit/vegetables for $38.
The craft fair is also home to a first-time vendor, Trinda Heitmeyer. Heitmeyer is the owner of The Regal Frog Soap Company, based in Mt. Vernon. She has soap, lotions, eye pillows and rose petals.
"It's a great time of year to have the show," Heitmeyer said. "It's Christmas, and people are buying gifts."
