Unveiling Tradition: 25 Years of Handmade Craft Market Buttons at Pike Place Market

Every holiday season, Pike Place Market transforms into a festive haven, adorned with the spirit of tradition and creativity. At the heart of this celebration is the Handmade Craft Market, an artisanal enclave that has become synonymous with the holiday season in Seattle. What began as a visionary concept from Market artist Graig Anderson in 1999 has blossomed into an enduring 25-year tradition that both shoppers and the community eagerly anticipate.

Central to this beloved tradition are the collectible buttons that have become a symbol of the Handmade Craft Market experience. Each button is a miniature work of art, a testament to the talent and creativity thriving within Pike Place Market. The brainchild of local Market artists, these buttons capture the essence of the season and the vibrant energy of Pike Place Market.

This year’s coveted button was crafted by the skilled hands of Wais Ali from East Africa Fine Art. Wais is a painter who creates rich acrylic paintings, prints, tote bags, and T-shirts, all inspired by his home country of Djibouti, East Africa.

These collectibles are available for this holiday season only so when they’re gone, they’re gone forever. Start your collection today!

Q&A With the 2024 Holiday Button Market Artist: Wais Ali

Tell us about yourself as an artist
I am a painter from Djibouti, East Africa. Ever since I was little, I have been interested in the visual arts. I even went to school for it.

What can we find at his table in the Market?
I paint my hometown. The people, places, and animals. I use acrylic paint for my original artwork, which makes each piece vibrant. Popular designs are also printed on tote bags and t-shirts.

Where did his inspiration for this button come from?
In 2021, I got to paint a giraffe named Dave at the Woodland Park Zoo. Meeting Dave and getting the chance to paint him was an honor. This year’s holiday button is Dave and his mate at the time Tufani.

Take a Look at 25 Years of Pike Place Market Handmade Holiday Buttons