By: Miranda Ynez

Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG) hosted its annual Mercadito de Amor on February 9, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. This year SHG Artists in Residence, Ni Santas, curated vendors and produced the event. Ni Santas is an all womxn of color art collective working to create a safe space by rewriting stories through socially conscious art while promoting sisterhood through skill sharing.Mercadito de Amor was free and open to public to come and enjoy a day full of music, love, gifts, community and purchase some of the best hand-crafted gifts such as art, crafts, fashion, jewelry, music and vegan food by Queer in the Oven.

Vendors included Ixiqdesigns, Tarjetitas con Amor, La Candelaria Candles, Discos Esnobby, The LA Garden, Luna Stones Jewelry, Madre Linda Ceramics, Marichel Mejia Art, Blooming Blood, Las Sucias Social Club, Lulucita, Saldivarte, Calaveraszapotecas, Leachy Peachy Art and Jewelry, Casita Del Barrio, Dewey Tafoya, Gaby Claro, Moni Perez, Art Punk, Heart On Arts, Tiny Avocado, Rooted in Motion, Semillas Artes, Chicana Apparel and Ni Santas.

This mercadito was more than love, it was about sharing a space for the community. It was an experience full of high quality crafts, vegan food, and local artists and artisans.

Miranda Ynez is a Self Help Graphics & Art Project Manager and an Arts Management professional committed to increasing participation in the arts and culture through our local communities. Story edited by Jennifer Cuevas.