By Seth Fera-Schanes

It might not be the equivalent to Black Friday, Cyber Monday or any other gimmicky “go spend money day” but right around Thanksgiving many of the city’s local artists leave their Brooklyn and Chelsea studios to peddle their wares on the streets of New York.  Keep in mind I say this with a lot of affection.  I am fortunate to live in a city with such a wealth of talent whether it be small metal works, pottery, recycled art and so much more.  You will find individual vendors and pop-up markets throughout the different boroughs.  If you are traveling out of the city for Christmas this year, I highly recommend getting your shopping done from the locals; the uniqueness of the gifts will go over very well with the recipients.

Artists and Fleas, Brooklyn Flea and Union Square Holiday Market are all good places to shop.  Also, if you wander around Bedford Ave in Brooklyn or the East Village in Manhattan you will most likely find a lot of these stands.  Happy shopping.