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WHEREAS, as part of a growing trend of Americans seeking out thoughtful and unique goods and gifts that express individualism, creativity, and conscientiousness, Pittsburgh's Handmade Arcade has tapped into Pittsburgh's own passion for local, independent, and do-it-yourself art, craft, and design; and
WHEREAS, featuring hundreds of independent, innovative craft artists from the region and across the country, Handmade Arcade has for a decade provided crafters working outside the mainstream fine arts sectors with a grassroots, high-visibility venue in which to sell their one-of-a-kind wares and, in so doing, build community; and
WHEREAS, from vintage fabrics to unique home décor goods; from jewelry made from found objects to purses made from recycled books; from limited-edition art posters to letter-pressed stationery; from organic bath and body products to Pittsburgh-themed novelties; and featuring much, much more, Handmade Arcade features affordable, hand-constructed goods from some of the most imaginative and talented crafters both local and national; and
WHEREAS, Handmade Arcade has garnered impressive recognition, including receiving the People's Choice Award in 2007 and 2009 for Best Arts Event from the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, being featured in Craftwerk 2.0, an international exhibition taking place at the Jönköping County Museum in Sweden, and drawing attention not just from local media but also from national outlets like NPR, The New York Times, and Salon; and
WHEREAS, this year Handmade Arcade celebrates 10 years of existence with "A Decade of DIY," taking place on Saturday, December 7 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center; and
WHEREAS, Handmade Arcade's 10th Anniversary Event will feature free admission, 150+ independent innovative craft artists, hands-on activities and projects for all ages, raffles, DJs, and live music and dance performances; and
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair, and all of the creative Pittsburghers who have helped to shape and bolster the City's independent craft scene over the past 10 years; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, December 7, 2013 to be Handmade Arcade Day in the City of Pittsburgh.