| November 27th, 2008 Expozine and Puces Pop holiday fair | Write a comment on this article ! |
DIY holidaze
Meg Hewings
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The terrible lie sold by what must be a sick late-capitalism is that anything and everything can be found at Wal-Mart.
One of the most independent, unique and community-minded shopping opportunities on offer this holiday season occurs this weekend at Expozine, Montreal's annual small press, comic, poster and zine fair.
There certainly aren't many places you find In Me Own Words: The Autobiography of Bigfoot and can peruse limited run editions of silk-screened books and handmade zines from small publishers around the globe.
Nurtured by a dedicated and enthusiastic group of zinesters and publishers, Expozine is a literal treasure trove. It's also the best place to discover hundreds of young and emerging authors, publishers and artists.
Co-founder Louis Rastelli expects about 10,000 visitors and over 250 creators of all things printed in both English and French. "This is stuff you can't order online, because some of the European publishers coming create limited-edition silkscreen books. Once they've brought them to a few bookstores and fairs, they're all gone," says Rastelli.
Expozine has grown into one of North America's largest small press fairs mostly through word of mouth, he says. "Very few of these small publishers have the ability to set up online stores, so that's why it's so important to actually come here. I'm excited to be able to buy great American zines with Canadian money, and without worrying about shipping costs and what the exchange rate will be when my credit
Also, check out Rastelli's side project, Distroboto - arty vending machines about town that offer the work of local artists. For only a couple bucks a pop, they make great stocking stuffers.
Puces Pop's first ever Holiday Fair happens Dec. 6. The Breakfast for Dinner Craft Fair and Bingo Party features 50 local artists, crafters and indie record labels and their wares - from homemade jewellery and clothes to specialty items like little "knitted penises and vaginas" (together in one package). Merrymaking continues post-fair with a giant bingo game starting at 9 p.m. Cards will be sold for 50 cents - and in the true spirit of holiday revelry and silliness, breakfast will be served for dinner (wear your pajamas!).
Expozine
At Église Saint-Enfant Jésus (5035 St-Dominique, metro Laurier), Nov. 29-30, from 12 to 6 p.m.
For more info, visit www.expozine.ca
For Distroboto locations, visit www.distroboto.com
Puces Pop Craft Fair
At St-Michel Church Hall (105 St-Viateur W.), 11a.m. to 6 p.m., bingo at 9 p.m.
For more info, visit www.puces.popmontreal.com
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