MARIN COUNTY recently marked the 25th anniversary of its Employee Arts and Crafts Fair.
The annual tradition was celebrated Nov. 19-20 at the Marin Civic Center Cafe in San Rafael with live music from the employee band County Crows and all sorts of handmade arts and crafts. This employee appreciation program brings people together from all of the different county departments as they volunteer their time to share their crafts with one another and anyone who happens to be walking by.
“It expands your feeling of being connected within the county,” said Anne Starr, the coordinator of volunteers in the Human Resources Department. “The county sees the value of having people together and feeling like they belong.”
From professional crafters with full-fledged side hustles to newcomers who are finding their footing in craft-making, the Marin County Employee Arts and Crafts Fair features all sorts of unique goods ranging from miniature buttons with a snow-globe like effect to lamps and handmade baby clothes.
Sara Everett-Boyer, a human resources employee who owns a side business handcrafting crocheted goods, estimated that about eight hours of work goes into each one of her unique creations.
“I’ve been crocheting since I was 9 years old,” Everett-Boyer said as she proudly sat in front of her handmade baby clothes, scarves and ponchos.
In fact, she even offers an entire baby collection complete with clothes, a onesie, a blanket and more, all handmade, one row at a time.
“We should have this more often. At least twice a year,” Everett-Boyer said. “It’s a good way to get to know people and get to know their talents.”
Holiday favorites played over the speakers as the County Crows brought the holiday spirit to the Marin Civic Center Cafe. Situated across the hall from the county registrar, the employee band even dedicated a song to a pair of newlyweds who happened to stumble into the fair.