Galleries + Museums

Five Artists to Know Before You Go to Austin’s Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Meet the painters sharing fresh perspectives and new work at the beloved holiday tradition, open Dec. 12-21

By Analise Pickerrell
November 06, 2026

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar returns to Austin’s Palmer Events Center Dec. 12-21, featuring original art, gifts and live music. (Photo courtesy of Armadillo Christmas Bazaar)

Austin’s longest-running holiday market, with 50 years under its belt, is back for the 2026 season. Open from Dec. 12–21 at the Palmer Events Center, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers a vibrant array of exhibitions. Whether one is looking to collect art, holiday shop for locally designed merchandise or simply behold the beautiful work of local creatives, here are five artists who just can’t be missed.

RAISA

RAISA Torres, known professionally as RAISA, is a Peruvian contemporary cubist painter. Her distinct Picassoesque style is avant-garde, bright and human-centric. Participating in the Bazaar for the first time, she’s excited to showcase four brand-new pieces from her series “The Intersection of Us.” She said, “One of my favorite parts of every show is meeting the local art community and connecting with collectors and art enthusiasts while presenting some of my strongest work.”

Carly Weaver

Carly Weaver is an Austin-born multidisciplinary artist. She often pulls from the culture and landscape of the city to inspire her work, specifically her signature depictions of grackles. This will be her sixth year exhibiting work at the Bazaar, where she will showcase original paintings and merchandise. “I am looking forward to all the new artists,” she said. “While longstanding artists at the Armadillo Bazaar are always creating new and impressive work, it’s nice to welcome in new artists with diverse work.”

Carrie Pearce

Carrie Pearce’s work combines elements of classical realism with a whimsical and often surreal use of mixed media. In her fourth year exhibiting work at the bazaar, she will be debuting an eclectic mix of pieces. “I look forward to the bazaar every year,” she said. “I really like the variety of art, music and gifts, plus hanging out with other artists. It has been a great experience for us. That’s why I keep coming back.”

Wendy Michelle Davis

Wendy Michelle Davis is a Waco-based acrylic painter whose work is primarily inspired by the beauty of the natural world. In her third year exhibiting work at the Bazaar, she will share some of her newest paintings, which combine traditional still-life elements with birds in flight, an “intertwining of movement with stillness,” she said. “I love that the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a tradition for many families and friends who come yearly, often traveling a distance from places throughout the country. You can feel that it’s something special to so many people.”

Jonah Ballard

Jonah Ballard is an Arizona-born acrylic painter best known for his signature pink palette and imaginative compositions. He recently came off a solo show where he released more than 20 works inspired by the American West, and he says he is excited to bring that energy to this year’s Bazaar, which marks his first time as a featured artist. “The 10 days at Armadillo brings in an incredible crowd. I am surrounded by wonderful artists, brilliant live music and a thoughtful team of organizers. It’s the perfect place to share my new works with collectors,” he said.