The Times-Standard
Eureka, California
November 29, 2012 (excerpted)

EUREKA — Artists and craftspeople are racing to put the final touches on their wares for Humboldt County’s biggest holiday fair, opening at Redwood Acres at noon on Friday.

Now in its 32nd year, the three-day Humboldt Artisans Crafts and Music Festival features unique, handcrafted gifts, live music, food and holiday cheer.

The HumArts fair is open Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More than 120 artisans from Humboldt County and beyond, including woodworkers, sculptors, jewelers, potters, painters, knitters and more, will share their work at the fair. Local musicians will provide live music on five stages, while hot food and drink will be available for sale. Some 8,000 visitors are expected at this festive three-day event.

”The HumArts festival has always been one of my favorite places to find holiday gifts for people, since everything is local and handmade,” said Arcata-based haiku poet and artist Annette Makino. This will be her second year as a vendor at the fair, where her Makino Studios booth will offer Japanese-inspired paintings, prints, cards, T-shirts and handmade books of her haiku art.

”Now, as one of the participating artisans, I find the fair is a wonderful opportunity to get out of my studio and share my work with people in a very personal way,” Makino said.