Los Angeles, California - May 8th, 2012 -- Market stalls at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles (CPLA), a transformation of two enormous World War II-era warehouse structures into a hub of arts-based activity, have been leased by over 75 craft-artist partners as the June 29 opening date approaches for phase one of this major new attraction.
By opening weekend, Crafted’s independent artists are expected to number over 100, representing diversity in the hand-crafted world. Every artisanal tradition will be on display: one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, knits, leather goods, up-cycled stationery, sauces, hand-carved wood, accessories, extraordinary snacks and confections.
Criteria for craft-artists to be included in this curated mix of crafts are rigorous. Products must be hand-made in Southern California and impeccably crafted. No imported articles will be available.
CPLA will be open Friday through Sunday. In addition to colorful shopping opportunities, visitors will be able to enjoy live music, daily demonstrations, gourmet food and entertainment for everyone. It’s a major new weekend entertainment option for Los Angeles families and visitors, with free admission and convenient parking.
When it expands to its full build-out occupancy with 500 artists displaying their work in 135,000 square feet, CPLA will become the nation’s largest year-round indoor crafts market.
“The tremendous response we’ve received from the craft artist community has exceeded our expectations,” said Alison Zeno, CPLA’s executive director and general partner. “There’s great enthusiasm among craft artists for the opportunity to have a permanent home in a beautiful, spacious setting.”
“This project represents a new way of thinking about arts and crafts. We are proud of the part we are playing to bring original creations to the public in an accessible way." said Wayne Blank, the powerhouse behind Bergamot Station and majority partner.
Crafted is a key element of the new L.A. Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. The L.A. Waterfront project will cost an estimated $1.2 billion including a waterfront promenade, new parks, a new recreational marina, and the installation of the historic battleship U.S.S. Iowa as a visitor attraction. The development, rolling out with the June 29 opening of Crafted, is a world-class waterfront experience for Southern California residents and visitors from throughout the world.
