Grab Unique Holiday Gifts From Caribbean Artists, Right Here in Flatbush

FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN — Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? How about picking up jewelry, leather goods, or other beautiful items hand-made in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, all without leaving Flatbush?

And you don't have to stop there, because the Haiti Design Co-Op is just one of the vendors that will be selling its wares this holiday season at the Caribbeing House.

The House, an art gallery and cultural space packed into a re-purposed shipping container currently stationed outside the Flatbush Caton Market, is the vision of Caribbean-American entrepreneur Shelley Worrell.

The space is constantly showcasing the work of Caribbean artists and producers, as well as promoting greater awareness of Caribbean culture.

And this December, Worrell is launching her first Caribbean Holiday Market. The event, which runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 24, will allow visitors to peruse beauty products, art, jewlery, and other goods made by at least 13 Caribbean-connected producers, including the aforementioned Co-Op (the full lists is here).

There will also be cultural events and live weekend performances both inside the House and outside the Market, while artists and producers will be stopping by as well.

Among those planned appearances: jewelry designer Aye' Shanti will be on hand Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., while Caribbean rock and groove musician Smax Music will be playing on Sat. the 17th and Sunday the 18th.

Starting Dec. 2, the Holiday Market will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

You can follow the Caribbeing House's Facebook page for updates, and check out Patch's interview with Worrell to learn more about her project.

Pictured at top: art for sale inside the Caribbeing House. Photo courtesy of Shelley Worrell.