Lilia and Alisa of Untitled Square - featuring the star of the show.. Lilia’s pup, Shanty.

“Time’s Gentle Embrace”

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

Lilia and I are both Armenian American artists. I (Alisa) was born in Armenia and moved to the U.S. when I was 6 years old. Lilia was born in Iran, moved to Armenia for college and then moved to the U.S. when she was 29 years old. We grew up under very different circumstances, but when we met, we shared so many commonalities that we became fast friends. Even though we had very different artistic styles, we found that we were able to work together quite easily, even sometimes on the piece. We were able to match each other’s brushwork while keeping our own artist hand still visible in the piece. This led to us constantly working together and eventually becoming business partners. Our studio was founded in 2020…while the world shut down, we went to work! We are a transnational duo, classically trained fine artists from different corners of the world. We both spent our artistic careers as painters; creating, exhibiting, and teaching Art. We still continue to paint, but found a deep love for clay and the beauty in working with malleable raw materials. With clay we get to play again, learn again, and create differently than we ever have before.

Our art has always been inspired by the harmony of human impermanence as it relates to behavior, the vibrant colors of cultures and tradition, and storytelling. These concepts are the lens with which we create our ceramic pieces. We derive strength from the richness of our unique perspectives and our diverse experiences and we take pride in the connection each piece forges between us as artists and you as the customer.

Very cool! I love hearing about you two have come together. What is your biggest artistic influence?
There are so many incredible ceramic artists that influence our work in one way or the other, that it is extremely difficult to choose. These are just a few that come to mind Grayson Perry, Betty Woodman, Peter Voulkos, Beatrice Wood, Shoji Hamada, and Lucie Rie are just a few that we are in awe of. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Artistic success, for us, is a multifaceted journey that encompasses personal fulfillment, financial stability, impact, and growth. We find joy and satisfaction in the creative process, which fuels our passion and drives us to continuously improve and experiment with new techniques. Achieving financial stability through our art allows us to sustain our practice and focus on our work without external constraints. Beyond personal achievements, we aim to make a meaningful impact through our art, influencing culture and contributing to society.

 There is endless value in that. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Ideation! Going from working conceptually and technically, to making work that is functional and sculptural, has proven to be a challenge. Thinking through practicality, necessity, and functionality before we start creating, and asking ourselves “how can this be used?” before we has been an interesting trial for our creative process. 

How has your style changed over time?

The biggest change has been shifting from two dimensional to three dimensional materials. Working with clay introduces tactile, hands-on elements to our creative process. Clay allows for a direct manipulation of form and texture, enabling us to explore different dimensions, shapes, and surfaces in a way that is different from paint. With the change in artistic medium, our conceptual framework and artistic expression has naturally shifted.

Love that you both were able to make that shift together. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

Lilia’s favorite piece is called “Contemplative Echos” [pictured below]. She loves the overall composition, the rich turquoise glaze draped over the brown clay, and the expression and body language of the people that we sculpted on this vase.

Alisa’s Favorite piece is called “Shadows that Sing” [also pictured below]. I love this piece because of its monochromatic nature, its use of negative and positive space, and because it has just the right balance of texture and smooth.

“Contemplative Echos”

“Shadows that Sing”

I’m having trouble picking a favorite myself! What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is a unique blend of old and new, of culture and history. There is such beauty in the historic homes and scenic views. Not to mention it houses two of our favorite places, The Norton Simon Museum and Blick Art Materials. What’s not to love.

Find Untitled Square at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.

Instagram | www.instagram.com/untitled.square

Etsy | www.etsy.com/shop/untitledsquare

Christine Ann Nicols of CANdesignsn

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Growing up my dad would tell me and my sisters that "success comes in CANS". I took that very literally and looked for the "success can" mixed in with the Campbell's Soup. Unsurprisingly, I didn't find it. But it was never lost on me that my initials, Christine Ann Nicols, spelled CAN. CANdesigns was born from childhood innocence and a desire to change the world.

That is too funny. How did you get started?

I tell environmental stories through my jewelry and art. I want to give a voice to the surroundings that have inspired me, and my hope is to help people find a deeper connection with nature.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

As a solopreneur there is no such thing as a "typical day" in the studio. But there are some non-negotiables- coffee, music, and time outside. Beyond that the days vary based one where I am in a launch cycle. Some days are really technology intensive, some days I only emerge from my cave to go for a walk with my sister.

What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

I was asked to make a custom necklace for my friend's wedding. The design mimics the lace of her dress. It was challenging, experimental, and playful - all the things I love most about metalsmithing.

How unique and personal! What do you like most about Arvada?

The access to green spaces and old trees in Arvada is incredible. A park or greenbelt seems to be no more than a 10 minute drive from wherever you are in the city.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I am so excited to be bringing one of a kind and small batch jewelry to Jackalope. You should have jewelry as unique as you are.

Anything special you would like to add?

Giving looks good on you - a portion of every sale goes to the Xerces Society, an organization working for the conservation and preservation of bugs and their habitats.

Find CANdesigns at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: christineannnicols.com

Instagram: @christineannnicols

Margaret

Do you have a story behind your business name?
The founding belief of my business is that we ARE Nature. So the name came from remembering that our innate wildness is what helps us reclaim our radiance. And everything I make comes from the land so I wanted to invoke that connection to Mother Nature as well.

How did it all get started?

I worked at Whole Foods in college, in the body care and supplement department, which is where I learned about non toxic skincare. But being a broke college kid, I didn't have money to buy those products so I started making my own skincare. 10 years later, I started my holistic health coaching business supporting women in menstrual health and fertility, and clean skincare is one of the topics we focus on. So I started the skincare side to complement the health coaching, and to offer simple botanical skincare that's so clean you could eat it.

That is so cool! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Growing some of the plants I use, harvesting them, and making them into products that are deeply nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. 

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Being able to work with plants and help people remember their connection to Nature through what they put on their body.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

I light a candle, listen to an audiobook (currently re-listening to Outlander), then get into the flow of whatever needs to be made. I also chant healing mantras whenever I first start working with the plants to invoke that loving energy into every product that gets applied to people's bodies.

Love how personal that is. What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

Naked Body Oil! As an Ayurveda Health Counselor, massaging your body with oil is one of the most highly recommended practices. And for good reason! Not only does it support the lymph system, circulation, digestion, and the nervous system, but oil in Sanskrit is sneha which is the same word for love. And your hands are an extension of your heart. So when you massage oil into your body with your own hands, it's a way to imprint self-love into your very tissues.

So interesting! What do you like most about Arvada?

I love how community centered it is, with a lot of focus on supporting local businesses.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I'll be bringing our signature line of skincare which includes herbal powder cleansers, hydrating toners, face oil, and body oil. I'll also have tallow belly balm for the pregnant people wanting a clean, non-greasy, and deeply nourishing balm for their growing bellies.

Find Wild & Radiant Botanicals at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wildandradiantbotanicals.com

Instagram: @thewildandradiant

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I was born in Dordrecht, Holland from French and American parents. We moved to Southern California when I was 6 and I have been living and working in Long Beach, California since moving there to go to University. I think I have my love of old things, old houses and beautiful ornate objects from the formative years in Europe and I have my relaxed, playful, nature vibe from growing up in Southern California. We always lived near the beach and being so close to such an impressive natural space has really impacted the way I see the world. Even if my work isn’t particularly beachy, there is a strong reverence for the natural world that I try to bring into all of my pieces.

I definitely see the influence of nature in all of your pieces & I’m obsessed. What is your biggest artistic influence?
I grew up going to a lot of museums and going to see tons of live music. Just last weekend, we saw Keith Haring at LBMA, I love his bold lines and patterns.  Also, not too long ago we were at the Norton Simon Museum with a group of friends, taking in the European painting  collections from Manet to Kandinsky. There is always so much to be inspired by, with the great painters, even if it’s a totally different medium, I love to look at color combinations and compositions.

We still go to a lot of rock shows, we are so fortunate that LA has such great venues to see bands, it makes it so easy to get out and see great music. We recently saw LCD Sound System at the Rose Bowl, Nick Cave at The Orpheum, The Dandy Warhols at the Fonda and Queens of the Stone Age at the Forum. Besides rock, drop by the studio any day and you will hear anything from jazz to neo soul to afrobeat to Latin punk, The music is always playing!

Especially jealous that you saw LCD Sound System! How do you define success as an artist?

I’ve been at this for almost 25 years so my views of success have changed over time, but one thing that has been a constant is quality of life. I have tried to make fulfilling work while still allowing time for raising my two boys and exploring the world around me. Making jewelry has provided me not just with an income and flexibility by being my own boss but a chance to make work with my hands - a practice that is both meditative and thrilling. There is so much problem solving in jewelry making, there is never a dull moment. I also really enjoy making pieces that other people can connect with and wear as a part of their daily life. That connection and experience is really important to me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

The selling part can sometimes be a challenge. I love connecting with people in person, it gives me so much satisfaction seeing the work on customers. That said, outside of doing shows, it’s hard to market the work and grow the audiences, every time I think I’ve got it down the technology changes!

How has your style changed over time?

I feel like my style has changed slightly over time in terms of scale and shapes, in jewelry you do have to move with the trends a bit, even if not following them, you have to at least nod to them.  However I think if you look over the years, most people see a thread or style that runs through most of the work. I have learned some new techniques along the way so they usually make it into new works as well. Overall, story telling through texture, symbols, picturesque stones and organic forms have inspired my work since the very beginning. 

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

These are the first three cuff bracelets that I ever made. The one in the back with the row of dots is one of my favorites and a piece that has been the jumping off place for some of my most popular pieces. I have been making wide and skinny stacking pebble cuffs for 20 years! I love the texture, the dark and light contrast, the way it works with so many other silver textures as a layering element. I also love arranging the little silver pebbles and fusing the piece together, the process itself is really fun.

I love that the first cuffs you ever made are still your favorite. What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena arts and crafts! The old school charm, the architecture and magnificent gardens. 

Sitting at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena is beautiful!  I have been coming to this city since I was a kid, for museum visits, strolling Colorado Blvd and Huntington Gardens with my Grandmother. Later as an adult I did the Contemporary Crafts Market at the Convention Center for many years. During that time, I met some really wonderful people, I feel like people here really appreciate craftsmanship, and as a maker, that is such a special thing to connect with. It’s  been so nice to reconnect with some of those customers  through Jackalope and to meet so many new amazing people! I love any chance to come up and spend some time in Pasadena.

It really is a special place. Anything special you would like to share?

Right now I’m working with some really fantastic stones that have this wonderful sky scene in them. They feel so fresh and optimistic, I’m really loving the feel of this new collection. I can’t wait to share them with you all at Pasadena ARTWalk! 

I’ve never seen any stones like this!! Can’t wait to see them in person.

Find Jivita Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.jivitajewelry.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/jivitajewelry

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I'm a first generation Puerto Rican, my parents moved from the island to mainland America. I recall late nights of my father playing Bomba with his friends when we would visit my grandparents. He even showed me how to play the barril de bomba. Bomba is music and dance developed by West African enslaved ancestors as a form of self expression and resistance against plantation oppression on the island. This is why music overall is a large part of my process of creation, it takes charge of what colors or energy I put into my pieces. My Great Grandmother always had cats visiting the back of her home, so it felt magical seeing them come and go- the scene still sticks with me. Lots of large leafed plants in the back and cats peeking in to see if food is served. I think this is partly why I'm obsessed with combining cats with floral motifs. Along with my father taking me to see El Yunque National Forest, one of my favorite plants I encountered there was the Mimosa Pudica. It's a cute plant that curls in itself when touched! Since then, I've had a deep fascination with nature and mishmash that with my love of color and nighttime vibes.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
Impressionism, Puerto Rico (specifically at night, and nature themes), Retro Anime (Sailor Moon, city pop themes etc), Surreal Horror (Middens, Ib etc), Vapor Wave, decora, collage, reliquaries, folklore, superstitions, Astronomy/Biology

Your inspiration seems to be everywhere! I love it! How do you define success as an artist?

I'm not sure. I'm still learning as an artist and there's so many forms of "success.” I don't think I've reached that point for myself.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

I hate the sketching process. It's my least favorite stage of art creation. I try to jot down the idea quickly, focus on shape and mood in mind- then go in with color as soon as I can.

How has your style changed over time?

My work used to be more focused on reality and background heavy, now it's far more surreal with aspects of reality injected in. I'm a little happier with the process of how I make art now. It's become more enjoyable with how I think about a piece and how I arrange the composition.

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

The "Dreams.exe" sketchbook! I love huge, fluffy clouds ( The clouds in Puerto Rico and East Coast are glorious! I miss them after moving to the West Coast).
And I like using colors you can see on those cool NASA photos of nebula, so I combined those for the sketchbook cover. The "Dreame.exe" cause I want it to remind anyone using the sketchbook to have fun engaging with creativity and imagination.

“Dreams.exe” sketchbook

That is so cool! What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green it is here! There's a lot of variety in vegetation, great diversity of people (I don't feel out of place), and there's a lot of excellent local food joints!
I'm incredibly happy to be in a place that cares for small business.

Definitely one of our favorite parts too! Anything special you would like to share?

I'm a huge fan of pokemon! I collect pokemon cards and make my own themed decks as a hobby!

Find Cosmicloak at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.cosmicloak.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/cosmicloak

Sandra & Edoardo

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Our company name is our family name. 

How did it all get started?

We are a family business. We are the 3rd generation.

That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Creating designs and paying attention to the little details.

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Nature is our biggest inspiration.

What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

My favorite item is our alpaca socks. We are very proud of the feel and the fit of our socks.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We will bring our alpaca socks, our hand embroidery accessories, and our WUAMAN Kids collection.

Anything special you’d like to share?
We are certified fair trade and sustainably grazed.

Find WUAMAN at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wuaman.com

Instagram: @wuaman.official

Begonia & Bench

Do you have a story behind your business name?
"Begonia" symbolizes our love for nature and beauty, and is also a nod to Darren’s mom’s favorite flower. "Bench" represents our dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. Together, they capture the harmony between art and the environment that inspires everything we do.

How did it all get started?

When we began, we were shocked by the waste generated in the candle-making industry and knew we wanted to do something different. Determined to make a change, we committed to planting a tree for every candle we make, not just sell (that’s a marketing tactic).

We also support local non-profits focused on community and environmental needs. This mission drives us as two artists passionate about creating something that doesn’t just go in the landfill.

To date, we’ve had over 11,500 trees planted in a US National Forest—all from just a 10x10 pop-up tent.

That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
The most rewarding part of our process is working with a unique Japanese rice bran wax, known for its smokeless and dripless properties, despite its challenges. Blending this rare plant wax with our soy and coconut waxes is where art and science meet. We use a multi-pour technique, rather than a single pour, to ensure a perfect blend and finish. Each candle is then aged and cured like a fine cheese or wine, allowing the complex scent blends to mature and develop. The stability and slow-burning nature of rice bran wax, combined with our unique fragrances, provides a burn time of around 90 hours—much longer than traditional soy candles. This meticulous process is incredibly fulfilling and truly sets our candles apart.

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Nature is our greatest muse. The changing seasons, the vibrant colors of flowers, and the serene beauty of the forests all inspire us. With an artist's eye, we see the world a little differently, finding beauty in the everyday moments like the first light of sunrise or the delicate patterns of a leaf. These perspectives fuel our creativity and drive us to create candles that are more than just a source of light.

What is your favorite candle that you have created and why?

One of our favorite creations is the "Cozy Campfire" candle, which captures the essence of an outdoor campfire with its earthy notes. This candle is special because it was inspired by our favorite camping moments in Minnesota and took over six months to perfect. Due to its sensitivity to humidity and heat, we can't always bring it to events, and we only make a very limited batch at a time. They sell out quickly, but you can also watch for them on our website!

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

A day in our studio is a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and behind-the-scenes work. It also usually begins with a cup of coffee and a walk in the woods 😊. Every day is different, but it always ends with us feeling grateful for the opportunity to create something meaningful.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We’re thrilled to be a part of the Jackalope art fair, where we’ll be showcasing our latest collection of Artisan candles. This includes some exclusive new scents inspired by the vibrant summer season. Alongside our new creations, we'll also have our bestsellers and a few surprises up our sleeves 😉. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay updated and catch all the excitement!

What do you love most about Minnesota?

Minnesota’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The forests, the pristine lakes, and the vibrant seasons all provide endless inspiration for us! We also love the strong sense of community and the support for local artisans, which makes Minnesota the perfect place for art to grow and thrive!

Anything special you’d like to share?
At Begonia & Bench, we believe in giving back. For every candle we make, not just sell, we plant a tree in a US National Forest. This commitment has recently earned us recognition as a Sapling Partner by the National Forest Foundation on their website! We're proud of our efforts to make a positive impact on the environment, and you can learn more about our partnership here: https://www.nationalforests.org/tree-planting-programs/small-business-tree-planting-partnerships

Find Begonia & Bench at The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival on August 10th & 11th, 2024.
Website: www.begoniaandbench.com

Instagram: @begoniaandbench

Ingrid | Petals to Stems

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I am originally from Guatemala—I am a Mayan. Knowing my roots has helped me become more comfortable with my artistic pursuits.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
My biggest influences are my husband and daughters: My husband for his support and always believing in me; And my daughters because they inspire my imagination so that I could, in turn, inspire them. 

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is seeing the surprise in people's faces when they realize that what they are looking at—these flowers—are not real. The look of awe inspires me to keep pushing forward.

We can’t wait to see them in person! What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

The hardest part is de-constructing all of the flowers. I hate to destroy the beauty of orchids or a rose… But the feeling of dread is quickly replaced with joy when I can finally recreate them out of paper. And knowing that that single flower will live on through many creations.

How has your style changed over time?

Over time my style has grown to be more elaborate, more detailed, but at the same time more confident. When I first started the amount of detail scared me to death. Now I embrace all the little dots, lines and even diseases that you’ll find on some of the flowers.

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

My favorite item would be the two wreaths on driftwood on my piano. It’s so peaceful with its blush colors of whites and soft pinks. It is an open wreath that can be placed anywhere on a table top.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Burbank is full of cute restaurants and vintage stores. I could just spend all day walking in and out of them. The best little intimate restaurants are so cozy and fun, the community theaters, the music… How can you beat any of this?!

Find Petals to Stems at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on June 8th & 9th, 2024.
Website: petalstostems.com

Instagram: @petalstostems

Natalie | MSL Bags

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I am a California girl through and through! Born in Santa Barbara and raised all over Los Angeles, I think my creative work is inspired by that sunny and energetic, chic and aspirational vibe that you get from living in SoCal.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
My style is influenced mainly by a BOHO aesthetic. An earthy and relaxed approach, expressing nature through abstract prints, and mixing different cultural expressions into an eclectic style that is free-spirited, yet elevated.

How do you define success as an artist?

Finding joy in the process of creating.

Well put. What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Making it look in reality, the way it looks in your head! Creation is oftentimes experimentation. Sometimes it leads you on a path to success, or something even better than you'd imagined! But sometimes it doesn’t work at all, and your vision remains unfulfilled, which can be really frustrating.

I bet patience comes into practice there! How has your style changed over time?

My journey as an artist in this space has really just begun. I am always fond of clean and elevated. So while I am sure to evolve, I think that element will always be a part of my style.

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

I only create one product, but the versions I love most are from the Indigo Shibori collection. There is something so clean and soothing about it for me. Maybe it’s the blue…maybe it’s the contrasting saturation of color against the white…it just makes me feel…ahhhhh.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Having lived in South Pasadena, Arcadia, Culver City, and Westwood during my lifetime, Burbank was always a hop skip and a jump away! From kid’s birthday parties at the local Chuck. E Cheese, to devouring Picanha’s cheezy biscuits as a young adult, Burbank has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.

Find MSL Bags at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on June 8th & 9th, 2024.
Website: www.mslbags.com

Facebook; www.facebook.com/mysourcelifebags

Instagram: @mslbags

Cherish and Lacy | Literary Blooms

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

We are from Portland, OR which we think has a direct impact on our business model and our work. Portland is known for being an environmentally conscience and responsible city, with an emphasis on recycling and reducing waste. Around 320 million books end up in our landfills each year… 320 million! Our goal with Literary Blooms is to reduce book waste by transforming old, damaged books that would otherwise end up in the landfill, into beautiful paper roses that will last in your home forever!

Portland is also the home to one of the country’s largest independent bookstores, Powell’s City of Books. We are avid book lovers and readers, often spending our weekends and extra spending money on new and used books!

That is so many books! Who/what is your biggest artistic influence?
Our biggest artistic influences are the authors who write the books that we make our flowers from! We started Literary Blooms for Lacy’s wedding, by selecting books that were special to her and her husband. We love making flowers from classic, timeless stories like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. We also love making flowers from children’s books with beautiful illustrations like Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is an ever-fluctuating thing. We both consider ourselves lucky and successful to have Literary Blooms be our full-time jobs. But the biggest meter of success for us is connecting with fellow book lovers. When our flowers cause an emotional response from people who love the stories we love and appreciate seeing them brought to life in another medium, there is no feeling like it!

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

The hardest part of our creative process is time. Every single one of our petals are hand drawn, cut by hand, curled individually, and then glued onto our stems one at a time. Each flower takes us about an hour to make from start to finish, and we’ve been making them for over six years! We have experimented with different tools to streamline our process, like the Circuit machine and die-cut machines, but our flowers are as special as they are because we take so much time making sure illustrations are featured and that titles and character names are easily seen. As soon as you look at one of our flowers, we hope you instantly recognize what book they are made from. That is something that can only be accomplished in our step-by-step, handmade process.

That is very cool. How has your style changed over time?

Our goal with Literary Blooms is to honor the stories we are using and to make our flowers look as realistic as possible. When we first started, we used thin, plain floral wire, and our petals were smaller which didn’t allow for much of the story to be easily recognizable. We have adapted our petal shapes and sizes to be large enough to feature as much of the stories as possible, and our stems are now on a thicker, green stem with rich, dark green leaves. One of the greatest compliments we receive is how realistic the flowers look now!

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

One of the best things about our product is that it is so easily customizable! We often get requests for custom orders and our favorite thing is to see what other people come up with creatively! The greatest honor for us has been making flowers for weddings. We make bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and more! Being able to help happy couples add a personal touch to their big day by using stories that are important to them is always so special for us!

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is one of our favorite areas in LA! We love the diverse, artistic community. Pasadena is also home to one of our favorite independent bookstores in Octavia’s Bookshelf. This bookstore celebrates Black authors, queer authors, and dozens of independent artists. It is a beautiful, welcoming shop that always has an amazing selection!

Find Literary Blooms at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: Www.literaryblooms.com

Instagram: @literaryblooms