This year, you have a unique chance to help share in the work of Hunger Task Force by attending the East Side Artist’s Boutique – Shop to Stop Holiday Hunger.

The event will be Friday, December 15 from 5 to 9 pm and Saturday, December 16 from noon to 5 pm at the UWM Kenilworth building at 1925 East Kenilworth Place on Milwaukee’s East Side. With over 30 artists to choose from, you are sure to find your one-of-a-kind holiday gift. There will be a $5 cover charge and a silent auction with items donated by the artists and local businesses such as Alterra Coffee Roasters. All proceeds will go to the Hunger Task Force. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate and enter to win raffle prizes.

Friday night will feature a kick-off celebration with wine sales by Beans and Barley. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Hunger Task Force. Additionally, Beans and Barley, Twisted Fork, Qdoba, Ichiban, Café Hollander, Balzac, Trocadero, and HiHat will be donating appetizers for patrons to enjoy.

But you get to do more than just support Hunger Task Force by attending this event, you get to help support local artists.

Tattoo Annie Jewelry, located in our own Riverwest community, creates one-of-akind jewelry from vintage and re-vamped materials, as well as cozy knit items and button style graphics pins. Her goal is to craft unique, affordable items that combine cultures and time periods. She has been making jewelry since she was a child, and started her own business three years ago.

A Yen for Yarn was created by Milwaukee artist Kathie Korth in the summer of 2004, when a wide variety of her crocheted items were featured in booths in crafter’s stores in Watertown and Greenfield. Some of her pins and a purse have appeared on television, and she donated to the Milwaukee Public Television auction in May.

M Jewelry by Meredith Jensen was created in 2001 after years of making earrings and loving it. She decided to start her own business focusing on one-of-a-kind natural materials. She has been a participant of the East Side Open Market since its inception.

Julie Caan, another talented Riverwester, is owner of Beads Rule. Julie’s forte is hand blown glass beads. She is self taught and is continually learning new techniques. Beads Rule is also a loyal East Side Open Market participant.