The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Looking for fresh seafood dishes, art and products handmade in Guanacaste, Costa Rica? Head to the vibrant beach town of Nosara, where once a month a group of international and national artists gather to sell their goods at Pacifico Azul Restaurant, Playa Guiones. The first summer fair is the 3rd Holiday Art Fair on December 14th from 10-2 pm.
Nosara Artisans, started in October 2012, was created to give local artists a place to sell their wares during the holiday and summer season. Organized by ceramists Kristen Brousseau and Emma Kinsey, it is a non-profit collective open to everyone living in the community.
“The mission of Nosara Artisans is to create fun events where we can show and sell our work. We aim to bring our community together through art and creativity,” explained Emma Kinsey. The first fair was held in December 2012. Since then, the group has grown with many artists participating from all over the Nicoya peninsula.
According to Kristen Brousseau, “What started as a small art fair has turned into a monthly summer art market. With all the support from the local community, Emma and I are very happy with the results and we are looking forward to meeting more artists and visitors.”
All summer, artisans hand make accessories, clothing, paintings, ceramics, fabric art, furniture, glass art, lamps, jewelry, photos, up-cycled creations, and carved wood art. A lot of the artwork is made using natural materials found in Nosara and its beaches.
“I make furniture, accessories and artful objects with the gorgeous lumber I find along the rivers and the boca. Some wonderful precious finds….that shout at me to take them home,” said Ron LaGro, artist and craftsman.
Fabric artist, Janey Harrington, finds that, “Creating art in Nosara is a dream come true, the colors of nature, the sunsets, the beauty of the flora and fauna are all incredibly inspirational. In addition, I am surrounded by other amazing and creative people who bring wonderful, positive energies to our community. It is a true blessing to be fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful town such as Nosara.”
After browsing, make sure to try the delicious restaurant, Pacifico Azul. With seafood caught fresh off of local beaches, Pacifico Azul has been a Nosara staple since 2006. Restaurateurs, Carlos and Melissa, create a variety of seafood dishes like ceviches, carpaccios, fish and rice varieties. They generously, lend their garden space and support each month to Nosara Artisans and the community. Like the blue pacific, there is only one, Pacifico Azul Restaurant.
New to the fair this year, is the addition of baked goods, organic breads, and Beach Blend Coffee, a coffee blend produced in Costa Rica. From Samara, NJ Bagels will be bringing her homemade bagels, pitas, hummus, and spreads. A local Nosara favorite, Bakers Dozen, will be baking up organic & gluten free breads, cakes & sweets.
Nosara community organizations will be joining the December fair too. They will be educating and fundraising to support their important local causes. Costas Verdes, an organization dedicated to reforesting the beaches and coastline, will have their stylish t-shirts for sale. Nosara Animal Care and Nosara Wildlife Sanctuary are selling products and calendars to fundraise for their animal rescues and sanctuaries. Also, there will be face painting with all proceeds benefiting Escuelita Verano, a summer art camp for kids.
“Nosara is a special place where we are very lucky to have a community that cares so much about living in harmony with the environment,” expressed Ashley Laux, jewelry artist.
The next Nosara Artisan Art Market is on Sunday, December 14th from 10-2pm at Pacifico Azul Restaurant, Playa Guiones, Nosara. There will be 4 more Nosara Artisan art fairs during the summer season, same place and time:January 18th, February 8th, March 15th, and April 4th. Check out their Instagram, @nosaraartisans, and Facebook profile, Nosara Artisans, for more photos and information about participating artists.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
