Since 2009, Hover Craft has brought skilled local artists, crafters, retailers, and others residing beneath the broad “maker” umbrella together to bring Milwaukee-made goods to area consumers during the holiday season. Like pretty much every event happening in or around the city this year, Hover Craft has canceled its in-person event on account of COVID-19 concerns.
Though Hover Craft as we know it will not be taking place in 2020, organizers wanted to use their platform to highlight locally-manufactured items. Last night, they made a call for artists to feature on their website, which will function as a “local artist directory” this year. Organizers explained their transition to an informal virtual event in a statement on their website:
Hover Craft was founded in 2009 as a way to connect and promote the work of the ever-expanding creative community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first show featured only 35 vendors and welcomed 200 guests. Eventually Hover Craft would grow to become the premier holiday shopping extravaganza you know today. In 2019, we hosted our 10th annual event with over 120 vendors and 3,000 people came to support the local maker economy.
2020 will be a challenging year for Hover Craft and the craft community we are passionate about. We understand taking a year off from the event may mean it will go away forever. We understand not supporting artists during these times may mean their work will go away forever. It’s more important today to shop local and to spend your money on things you’d like to see survive the pandemic. This year, we have moved this event to CYBER SPACE to safely continue to support the community we hope to see survive these trying times. We invite you to explore and discover more of what you love about Hover Craft, from your couch via our local artist directory.
There’s no fee to be listed in the directory. Makers who wish to be featured, can contact Hover Craft organizers here. Shops who wish to participate can contact organizers here. Though it’s hard to beat the experience of browsing local vendors in person at Hover Craft, this is a nice (and safe) alternative.
