Bunky Boutique is a neighborhood shop that has been a central Phoenix staple since 2007. Rachel Malloy is the owner and buyer, she specializes in blending well known lines along with local and indie designers and artisans.  Bunky has it's own in-house line, Arizona Love, which are hip and stylish Arizona pride products that are perfect for locals and visitors alike. 

Rachel loves traveling to the ocean and to brooklyn with her husband, exploring new coffee shops, exercising, spending time with her two kitties, and reading (Bunky even has it's very own book club!).

Being on the Jackalope Art Fair jury is a honor and so much for for Rachel because it allows her to have a first hand seat to the innovation and creativity of artisans and designers that are putting their art into the world. That vulnerability is beautiful and inspiring. 

Learn more about Bunky Boutique at www.bunkyboutique.com

The deadline for applications to the Jackalope Art Phoenix Holiday show on November 26th & 27th, juried by our start studded panel featuring Lindsay Viker & Rachel Malloy, is just next Friday, September 2nd.  www.jackalopeartfair.com/phoenix/

This exciting event taking place at WestWorld of Scottsdale will be an alternative to the chaos of Black Friday and provide an oportunity to #ShopSmall with over 150 artisans, live music, workshops and more!  

Ever since she was a little girl, Lindsay Viker has had a passion for all things beautiful. She has translated that passion into sharing about her favorite emerging fashion, beauty, and culture on CoutureintheSuburbs.com. With her team of dedicated writers, Lindsay highlights the best people and businesses in Phoenix, Arizona and other cities around the United States. 

What Lindsay loves most about being part of the Jackalope Arts & Craft Fair Jury is getting to meet new inspirational creators. Now, Couture in the Suburbs has launched a shopping platform where they are sharing their favorite, hand-selected products with their audience. Lindsay is excited to find awesome new vendors to participate in Jackalope's upcoming show and feature on Couture in the Suburbs. 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:  

Flower Pepper Gallery has been in business for four and a half years. We exhibit contemporary art from local and international artists. We host monthly exhibitions. We also have a boutique area inside the gallery that features books on art & design, and art products for everyday use. Flower Pepper Gallery is located in the Old Pasadena district in the city of Pasadena. Pasadena is an exciting place to be for the arts. There is always something new to see, savor, and experience which naturally results in a wildly creative atmosphere. We hope to continue to be a platform for contemporary art in Pasadena for many more years to come.

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

I’m always inspired by the artists we show here at Flower Pepper Gallery.

Q; How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

I had the opportunity to start an art gallery four and a half years ago, and I jumped at it immediately.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

The LACMA
People who work for a good cause such as people who rescue and help animals etc.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

With the constant rise of digitalization and mass production of consumer products, it is refreshing to see pieces being made by hand with care and uniqueness.

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?

Individuality is an important feature when reviewing an artists’ application.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?

The opportunity to discover more talented artisans.

 Q: Where can we find out more about you?

www.flower-pepper.com

We are sad to hear that Whorl will be closing its doors in Denver, but what is next on the horizon for you?

I'm so excited about what's on the horizon. I'm dabbling in a few different things, but still keeping the essence of Whorl and the mark I leave. I will be assisting with nonprofit events, assisting local designers with business management, branding, and sales, as well as working on my own brand consulting. 

Imprints by Whorl 

How do you see the handmade community evolving in Denver?

I see the handmade community evolving both creatively and functionally. Every year I find myself impressed with the talent and items that are being made for a variety of markets with both fashionable and functional components. 

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to? 

Honestly, I look up to all the artists and designers who put their work out there not knowing what the outcome is going to be. It is a huge risk creating something not knowing how people will react, but it's even more amazing to just do it. 

What are you looking forward to the most in being apart of our Jackalope jury panel for the second time?   

I am looking forward to seeing what amazing handmade products come through this year. Helping to curate last time around was an honor and seeing the talent there is locally and nationally was really cool. I also hope that everyone takes that risk to apply because when they do I see it pay off in the applications. 

Helen Rice

Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world

Twelve years ago I started a small art consignment shop in a tiny side-street space in downtown Littleton.  My little business grew steadily over the first few years and when I had an opportunity to move into a prime space on historic downtown Littleton's Main street, I jumped at it.  I started as more of a fine art gallery, but when the recession hit, I had to quickly restructure, shifting my focus to gift items.  I figured people would still buy gifts for other people before they'd buy an expensive piece of art for themselves, so I stayed focused on handmade items and it proved to be a good fit!  I believe that was when the handmade movement gained momentum, as well. People turned to "making" things themselves, flexing their entrepreneurial muscles and selling their work directly to the public, who readily embraced and supported them in a big way.

What / who is your biggest inspiration?

Any woman who has or had the courage to make her way (and a difference) in this world! 

What do you love most about the handmade movement?

The return to basics - realizing that we can be innovative with common materials and make things with our own hands that are functional, fresh and beautiful! 

Tell us about a few favorites of yours; food, color, animal?

A nice, big, juicy burger - loaded!

Any shade of BLUE is my favorite color!

DOGS, Dogs, dogs....I love them all!

What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury? 

Seeing new, fresh work from our local makers!

What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?  

Innovation and originality

Where can we find out more about you?

Besides owning and operating my store, I also produce an 3-day annual urban art retreat in September.  The retreat is called Art Makers Denver and you can find out more about that and ME at http://artmakersdenver.com/our-team/

What is your favorite part about owning XO Gift Company?

I really love being a part of this amazing community and seeing the different faces that walk into the shop. I think it's exciting that literally anyone can walk in at any moment and completely change your day (hopefully in a good way!). My customers are great fun and I truly enjoy meeting and talking with all different types of folks!

How do you see the handmade community evolving in Denver? 

I think there's a ton of growth and opportunity for the handmade community in Denver right now. Besides that fact that Denver itself is growing immensely, there is definitely more of an appreciation for handmade vendors and items from those who understand what kind of love and time goes into the process and creation. There are a ton of people who come in the shop and make "this or that" and there is so much access to workshops and the like, it's great!  

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to? 

I would not single out a particular artist that I look up to. I believe it truly takes a village and it's just so exciting to see all of the different ideas and final products that people come up with from paintings to bike chain sculptures to vinyl jewelry! There is so much creativity out there and it all inspires me in a different way. I have made some great friends in my artists and I love to learn about people's journey and what they are all about. 

What are you looking forward to the most in being apart of our Jackalope jury panel for the second time?

I love to see which vendors apply and their awesome handcrafted work! It's also just a great learning experience to be able to visit all of the different websites and see such a variety of branding and marketing tactics that are used. It's exciting to see what vendors might be a great fit for XO too!

eXtraOrdinary Gift Company (XO Gift Co.) 3867 Tennyson Street// www.xogiftco.com

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 

The arts have always been a huge presence in my life. I studied Ballet and Apparel Design in College.  I have had a sting passion for crafting since I was a little one, with a particular interest in Yarn crafts. 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

My customers, they inspire me to always strive to do more. They are the reason we introduced Lula School. 

Q; How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

I saved my pennies and opened my dream store in 2003. :-) A collection of thousands of crafters under one roof.  My teaching credentials for Lula School are from personal crafting experience, and passion for craft.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

Some current favorites are Mods Best Friend, Lo & Chlo, Something Blue, Chez Gagne Letterpress, Life is Funny LA.. I could go on and on haha

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

The uniqueness and individuality that comes from each piece. It adds a heartbeat to a gift. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 

Passion for their craft & individuality. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  

To be a part of such a beautiful growing community, and to stand by the side of an organization that is helping these crafters to grow and reach their dreams. Such an honor.

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 

On our website lulamae.com and from our IG page :-)

Q. What did you like most about Jackalopes Holiday show and what are you looking forward to in this Springs Event?

A. My favorite part about the holiday show was buying Christmas gifts for all my family and friends! It was really awesome to tell them about the person who handmade the special product they were enjoying so much. This spring, I want to shop for myself! I saw a lot of great home items, jewelry pieces, and yummy treats that I am excited to try. 

Q. What do you gravitate to while shopping at Jackalope and similar events around town?

A. I love things that are different from anything else I've seen before. One of my favorite items is the dinosaur plants from Peabo Pots. How can you not be happy at work if you have one of those cute guys sitting on your desk?! 

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

A. I began Couture in the Suburbs when I was in college as a way to discover the local fashion industry around me. With the recent expansion into art, I hope to make Couture in the Suburbs the single online destination for learning more about the local industry here in Arizona.

It’s a self-appointed position, but I get validation every day through the audience that comes and enjoys the content my team and I feature on the website.

Q. How do you see the handmade community evolving in Phoenix? 

A. I see the handmade community becoming more and more professional. Several artists have been able to transition their craft from a hobby to a full-time career and that is incredibly inspiring.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:

My name is Rachel Malloy and I own Bunky Boutique, a neighborhood shop that has been a Phoenix staple since 2007. Bunky specializes in blending well known lines along with local and indie designers and artisans. I live in downtown Phoenix, love spending time with my husband, enjoy reading, exercising, coffee shops, drinking tea, writing and traveling. The ocean waves on a cold day make me feel alive and the energy of cities makes me feel connected to all of humanity.

 Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My Uncle Tim has been my biggest inspiration since I was a child. He taught me that if I can dream it, I have the capacity to fulfill that dream. He was an incredibly talented dancer and choreographer and he will always inspire me to walk through the fears that come with being vulnerable and taking creative chances.

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?   

As a shop owner, my job is to curate a collection of products that are innovative and unique. I have had the honor to develop relationships and partnerships with local artisans and see their growth and the growth of the arts and crafts world in Phoenix as a whole. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

Favorite weekend activity - drinking tea and reading the NY Times with my husband Jim

Favorite color - burnt sienna

Favorite animal - kitties

Favorite Broadway show - Hamilton the Musical

Favorite people - my team Bunky family: Lauren, RC, and Ashley

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

The people I have met and have had the privilege to work with!  They are hard working and have just the right combination of grit and vulnerability to stick with their passions. I admire anyone that has a vision and knows that one of the most important things to creating a peaceful world is to do the thing that makes you feel joy!  

Q: What is most important feature in an artist’s application for you?  

Authenticity. Being a buyer for the past 8 1/2 years has given me a keen eye for knowing when someone's creation is authentic to their vision and self.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?

I'm looking forward to seeing beauty and art from a whole new perspective and to get inspired by the bold creativity of the Phoenix arts and crafts community.

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

http://www.bunkyboutique.com/about/

https://www.instagram.com/bunkyboutique/

https://www.facebook.com/visitphoenix/videos/10153754105704717/

Owner at Whorl Shop

Q. Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world?   

A. I was always a young entrepreneur at heart making crafty goods for the Young American Bank markets. I always thought that the product I was selling was the “hottest” thing. That’s where my love of arts and crafts started. After all those years I finally found my passion… curating local, national, and global clothing, jewelry and home goods for the Denver community. 

Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?   

A. Currently, all the Denver small business owners who wake up, do all the hard stuff, love what they do, and go to bed happy and excited about all of it! 

Q. How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

A. I created it for myself. I wanted to contribute to the Denver fashion community by giving local designers a quality place to house their brand, as well as other brands that have a story and or a cause behind them. 

Q. Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend Activity/Color/Animal?

A. My favorite weekend activity is exploring new shops in Denver hubs, followed by some delicious Sushi! My favorite color has always been purple and my favorite animal is a cheetah. 

Q. What do you love most about the handmade movement?

A. That it has become a way of making a living. People can now pursue what they love and carve out their own future. More and more retail stores are carrying more handmade work and it adds a distinctive characteristic to their store. 

Q. What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?

A. The artisan statement is really important for me. The why and the passion behind every artist can speak wonders for the product itself. 

Q. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury? 

A. I’m looking forward to discovering new and talented local artisans who offer a unique and fun product to the market! 

Q. Where can we find out more about you?

A. You can visit www.whorlshop.com, follow me on Instagram @msmegantimlin OR come on in the Whorl and hang out!