AUSTIN, Texas -- As Christmas is quickly approaching, some are doing some last minute Christmas shopping and are going the small business route.
Artists from near and far set up shop at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar to showcase their work just in time for holiday shopping.
"All of these are individual pieces,” said artist David Bergeron.
Bergeron and his wife travel from New Orleans every year to sell their wall decor and other trinkets, made from reclaimed wood. Bergeron said it’s the culture of Austin to appreciate handcrafted work.
"I think supporting individual design is really strong in Austin. We get a lot of Christmas presents. We get a lot of people come every year and buy the present for themselves that they've been looking at,” said Bergeron.
It's no surprise that Austinites prefer shopping small businesses. The bazaar is in its 46th year and it just seems to grow each year. This year more than 150 artists are participating, selling everything from decorations and jewelry to purses.
"It's part of what makes Austin unique and it's the kind of thing we are losing here in Austin that makes us different from every other city in the country,” said Austin resident Chuck Lesniak.
Lesniak has attended since the first bazaar, passing on the love and tradition of the Armadillo to his children.
"It's an incredible experience to come here and not only see local art, but talk to local artist and meet them and learn about their process. It's really just a good way to really capture the experience of Austin and the beauty of it,” said Alice Lesniak.
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar continues until Christmas Eve.