Black Friday started well before Thanksgiving, pulling in its wake Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. But anyone who still hasn’t found the right gift, or just wants to support young artists, will have a chance to do some good as they buy some goods at the United Action for Youth (UAF) Homemade Holiday Market on Saturday.
The five-hour pop-up market at UAF’s Swaim Youth Center in downtown Iowa City (355 Iowa Ave) starts at noon, and will feature arts and crafts created by artists and crafters aged 11 to 18.
“There will be a variety of unique gift options, including crocheted pieces, nail art, tote bags, stuffed animals, jewelry and more,” UAY said in a news release. “Coffee, cocoa and cookies will be provided for shoppers.”
“100% of the proceeds will go to the artists.”
UAF has been serving the needs of youth and families in Johnson County for 54 years. In 2024, more than 360 young people participated in its art workshops or just spent time in the youth center hanging out with their peers.
At the Swaim Young Center, UAF works to create a sense of community, foster creativity and promote personal expression among the students it works with. They do this in a variety of ways, including after-school art clubs at elementary schools and junior high schools in Johnson County, and by providing opportunities to record music.
The youth center also gives kids a safe and supportive space to relax and interact through art, games or just by watching movies together. Its SPARK program gives city- and suburb-based young people the opportunity to experience the outdoors, and UAF maintains a rental library of hiking and camping equipment for participants who need it.
UAF also provides counseling services for both young people and families, as well as transitional housing for unhouse youths. In 2024, UAF provided safe living conditions for 46 young people experiencing homelessness.
More information about these and the other services UAF provides, as well as how to volunteer and other ways to support its work, can be found on UAF’s site.
