Arts Focus: ‘Tis the Season for GRUMP Holiday Arts & Crafts Show in Crystal City

This is a column written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

The words “grump” and Christmas may seem an unlikely pair. But for several years, the GRUMP Holiday Arts & Crafts Show has delighted those looking for unique, artist-designed and locally-sourced gift alternatives for the holidays (and those who want to see the Yeti). The popular pop-up market returns to the Crystal City Underground on Saturday, December 9 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Imagine shopping in a virtual-reality Etsy.com, and you’ll get the gist of GRUMP, which is co-sponsored by Arlington Arts, the Crystal City BID and JBG Smith. Experience 50 local makers chosen via jury. From the sublime (luxurious all-natural cosmetics) to the quirky (Lego_©-covered bound journals), the vendors offer locally produced items including jewelry and bags, t-shirts, hand-milled soaps, stuffed animals, clever greeting cards and baked goods. Find something one-of-a-kind and local without browsing multiple boutiques, including:

Holland Cox handbags; Scarvelous (fabric accessories); Langdon Wood Maple Syrup (condiments); Legendary Bowties; Maré Naturals (cosmetics); Wunder Around (blown glass); Potomac Chocolate; Tigerflight (stuffed animals); Kuzeh Pottery; Craftgasm (paper craft); Becca & Mars (bath products); Sarah Cecilia Jewelry & Metal Goods; American Roadtrip Pillows; Block Party Press; Woolgathering; Bow Glass; Downward Dye; Artologica (science-inspired gifts); Spaghetti Kiss (tee shirts); Marney and swa (accessories); Splotch Monster Island; Laughing Moon Artworks; Jenny Wren Jewelry; Cuddles and Rage; Joe Engel; Naked Décor; Moonlight Bindery; Cynthia Connolly (Banned in DC); Karmic Kollections; Tina Seamonster; I Wear Blue Tights (clothespin magnets); Handmade Habitat (candles); Three Ravens Studio; Seeing in Fabric, Santiago Casares and many more.

And the fun doesn’t end with shopping. In partnership with Arlington Arts, there are numerous workshops* offered during the day:

• Kid’s Gnome Collage Workshop 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
• Watercolor Collage Holiday Card Workshop: 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
• Learn to Knit: 4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

*Alas, both of the Splotch Monster workshops are already at-capacity.

Among the highlights is an opportunity to Meet a Yeti at GRUMP (2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.) the ‘ferociously-loveable’ costumed ‘abominable snowman’ character that provides a great photo-op for all ages. Get on over to GRUMP Crystal City, at the Crystal City Underground, 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA.