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The tradition of bringing arts and crafts to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus for the holidays is a long and treasured one. The University’s annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair was held Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 4-5 in the Morris University Center (MUC). 

“This fair is highly anticipated each year by the University community and the vendors,” said Alexa Bueltel, coordinator of Campus Life with the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. 

“I enjoy being on campus. Everyone is nice, and I get to sell some of my jewelry to help needy children,” said Rosina Denkyirah, of Rosina’s African Handmade Jewelry in Glen Carbon. 

It was Denkyirah’s third year attending the fair. Proceeds from her sales go to support Twigs, an organization that feeds hungry children and supports needy families in the Metro East. 

Dawn Wilfong-Scott attended this year’s fair for the first time. Wilfong-Scott is the owner of Name It Already Hand Stamped Jewelry in Kimmswick, Mo.

“Sales have been really good,” said Wilfong-Scott. “I’ve had repeat customers, some within the hour.” 

The fair drew 21 vendors this year, slightly less than previous years. However, most of the vendors bought multiple booths, according to Bueltel. Merchandise included jewelry, soap products, craft gardens, customized T-shirts, holiday crafts, musical ornaments and more. 

“It’s cool to be able to have a shopping experience around the holidays right here in the MUC,” said Taylor Chase, a freshman majoring in exercise science. 

“The fair is a great way for the SIUE community to support local crafters and vendors,” said Bueltel. “It brings extra holiday spirit to the students and everyone.” 

Photo: One family shops together during SIUE’s Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. Shown from L-R are mother and SIUE alumna Janet Smith, of Edwardsville, who graduated with a bachelor’s in nursing; daughter Laura Jeziorski, of Glen Carbon; and daughter and SIUE alumna Jennifer Moran, of Glen Carbon, who graduated with a bachelor’s in nursing.