STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.—To commemorate the approaching holiday season, the St. George Theatre opened its sacred halls to dozens of vendors today.
Visitors strolled around the hallways of the well-known North Shore venue from midday to five o’clock, exploring the wide variety of things that sellers had to offer at the venue’s Vendor Market & Art Gallery Festival. Handmade gifts, upcycled clothes, a variety of chocolates, and plush toys were among the items.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, vendors set their shop on the stage of the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
A live pianist and Christmas music entertained the audience as they made their way to the theater’s stage to view the rows of artwork and other treats arranged around the large venue.
The St. George Theatre’s president and CEO, Doreen Cugno, stated, “We love that we’re supporting our local artisans.” That’s the main point.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, vendors fill the St. George Theatre’s corridors. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Maddie French, 12, of Maddie’s Sweet Treats Shop, offered her baked sweets in the lobby. Along with her cookie flavors, she donates nearly half of her earnings to charitable causes. Snickerdoodle, M&M, chocolate chip, and pumpkin with cinnamon frosting were among the cookies on her November menu. The proceeds from the sales were directed to the South Shore Community Food Pantry.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Maddie French of Maddie’s Sweet Treats Shop poses for a photo at the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, French launched her company when she was just 8 years old.She just had one objective in mind: to assist others.
Without the community’s backing, I couldn’t be doing this. It never stops, and it’s incredible to watch everyone banding together to support one another. “It’s gorgeous,” French said.
Evaleen J. Drake of EdjeWear Designs showcased her repurposed clothing to interested customers in the theater. She provided eye-catching, wardrobe-neutral things.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Evaleen J. Drake is seen at the St. George Theatre with one of her garments. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
In addition to working with a variety of textiles, I enjoy creating unique items. Drake clarified that the majority of his creations are unique. Every one has a unique subtlety.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Evaleen J. Drake presents her designs to the Advance at the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Although Drake had previously attended a similar event at a theater, this was the first time in a long time that she had sold her creations.
Mary Castro’s hand-crocheted plush toys were arranged on Blueberry Leaf’s table at the opposite end of the theater. Castro, a first-generation Staten Islander pursuing a degree in funeral directing, sold a variety of items, including keychains, pumpkin pies, snowmen, and multicolored chickens—her personal favorites due to a pet chicken she had as a child.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, Blueberry Leaf’s Mary Castro holds one of the chickens she produced at the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Because it makes me happy, I can’t imagine my life without doing this. The individuals who come here are happy because of it. Since I didn’t have many pleasant things as a child, many of my best clients are children. Castro claimed that as the eldest daughter, I always preferred to give my siblings my allowances or snacks. I try to keep my prices low because I want children to have access to great items as well.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, Blueberry Leaf’s crocheted items are seen at the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Donna Napoli-Steele, an art instructor at Notre Dame Academy, was spotted selling her paintings on the stage of the St. George Theatre. Each piece was more vibrant than the last. Napoli-Steele displayed her most recent artwork, Rockweed (Seaweed) & Mermaids, which is available on her website, with an emphasis on nature and Staten Island locales.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, Donna Napoli-Steele’s artwork was on exhibit at the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Each basket took three hours to design at the table of Mary Anderson, a craftswoman in her own right. Themed bath towels in various sizes and shapes, along with other bath-themed delights, were included in each basket.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Mary Anderson of Brooklyn’s Mary’s Decorative Towels is photographed at the St. George Theatre with her merchandise. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Back outside in the theater’s lobby, Tamara from Beauty Blends by Ami displayed her natural, organic body care products. She claimed that all of her products are devoid of preservatives and that her mild recipe is ideal for those who suffer from psoriasis and eczema. She had everything you needed, including butters, serums, and powders.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Tamara (left) and Kiyana (right) pose for a photo at the St. George Theatre. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Tamara also made different wreaths for the holidays, as her daughter Kiyana pointed out. Kiyana follows in her mother s entrepreneurial footsteps, selling rolling trays for those who like a bit of Mary Jane, though she was there to help her mother s table today.
A few tables down from Beauty Blends by Ami was Bonded by BRZN Beauties Permanent Jewelry, run by Nakeesha Franklin. Franklin displayed the variety of chains, charms, and jewels that buyers could pick from, showing off her own permanent jewelry.
Nakeesha Franklin shows off some of her permanent jewelry at the St. George Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Permanent jewelry, whether it be a necklace or bracelet, is soldered to the wearer s wrist or neck. If that sounded a little too serious to some buyers, Franklin also offered a traditional clasp no soldering involved.
A sweet longtime Staten Island dessert vendor was also on hand: Egger s Ice Cream Parlor made an appearance at the event, enticing customers with their new panini ice cream sandwiches and their traditional sundae bar.
Dan and Danielle Raleigh of Eggers smile for the camera at the St. George Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
There re so many people walking in and out from the community; it s a real sense of community joy and holiday spirit around, so I m excited. I love seeing all the other vendors; we already bought some stuff at other people s stations. It s getting me a kickoff of the holiday spirit, that s for sure, Eggers Danielle Raleigh said.
Before departing, many stopped to check out Vanity House Designs tables in the entrance of the theatre. With their store just a stone s throw away in Empire Outlets, owner and curator Kurt Alger expressed how happy he and his associate David were to be at the theatre today.
Vanity House Designs shows off their goods at the St. George Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance)Jillian Delaney/Staten Island Advance
Alger, a professional Broadway theatrical costume and wig designer, founded Vanity House Designs asan online enterprise, a pivot endeavorduring the pandemic, while Broadway was closed to the public.
Here is the full list of vendors that participated in Sunday s event:
Scenes from the St. George Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney
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St. George Theater
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Vanity House Designs
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Egger s Ice Cream Parlor
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Beauty Blends by Ami – Holiday Wreaths & Decor
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Benbow Books
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Luxury Lash
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Maddie s Sweet Treats Shop
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Objectos Gallery
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Pampered Chef
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PubWick Candle Bar & Sports Clock Network
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Amore Art Gallery
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Black Cents US Commemorative Coins
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Blueberry Leaf
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Brazen Beauties Custom Jewelry
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D Napoli Steele Art Gallery
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EdjeWear Designs
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Get Peachy Amici Activewear
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Hey Viv! Retro Clothing
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Janice Vegan Handbags & Luggage
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Jennifer von Graevenitz Jewelry
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Kathy Brier Custom Headbands
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Koltuk s Honey
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Libra Designs NYC
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Lilly of the Valley Studio
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Mary s Decorative Towels
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Michelle Swiney Hair & Skincare
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Miss Tee s Magic
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Padovano Fine Art
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Phenomenal Women
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Moodie Vibes
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Pampered Chef
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Shamas Lights & Crystals
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Success Looms
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The Art of Charles Michael
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The Namies Shop
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V. Dazzle Designs
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