by Dara Kerr/WEST OAKLAND

Between empty lots and old warehouses, a side-yard off San Pablo and 32nd Street looked like a small haven in the West Oakland neighborhood that locals call ‘Dogtown.’ Artspace ABCO held a first-time ‘craft meet’ on Sunday where artisans from the area sold their hand-made wares and over a hundred people came to hang out and shop.

Used records and blue jeans for sale (photo by: Allison Davis)

With the iron gate swung open, the yard had a dozen booths where people showcased goods ranging from used blue jeans to original paintings to ceramic bracelets wrapped with repossessed guitar strings.

Tarot-card readers told fortunes, dogs and children wove in and out of the booths and people helped themselves to beer and food from the baked-potato bar. DJ Ian Hetzner played a mix of classic rock, 80’s hip-hop, Brazilian and Country & Western music; he also sold vintage records on the side.

“My main idea for doing this is the creation of local economy,” said ABCO creator and director, Barry Monigle. His idea was a simple one: Why not take out the middleman between artisans and their customers? In a bad economy that might make shopping more affordable.

Monigle also wanted to give local craft-makers a place to sell their goods and encourage spending in West Oakland. “The arts and craft fair is a way for local residents to spend our money here in this neighborhood,” said Monigle.

“Dogtown” is named after the dogs that used to guard the junkyards; many of these junkyards are now home to local artists who use the industrial buildings as studios and workspaces.

ABCO took its name from the original warehouse based there, Al Benziano Company. After being vacant for 10 years, Monigle transformed it into an artspace in 2000.

Girl looks at De La Lucha hats (photo by: Allison Davis)

Paco Collars is based up the street and had a booth at the fair. They make adorned leather dog collars and accessories. Ana Poe, one of the founders, is interested in keeping her products as local as possible; she buys her leather through a distributor in Oakland. “I want to shorten the circle of shipment,” she said.

One of the most popular booths at the fair was Lisa Calderon’s line of feathered hats, barrettes and headbands, De La Lucha. She has been in business for only two months and the craft meet gave her a place to display and sell her unusual headpieces that she describes as “a cross between Ivy League and ornamental.”

At dusk, the craft stands packed up and the space was converted into a music venue. There was no charge to get in but a donation was suggested. Chris Jones was the first act; he kicked off his set with a melodic cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Happy at the day’s success, Monigle decided to make the craft meet a regular event.

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