The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin has named Electric Promotions, Greenling.com, IMT Residential, The Laser & Electrolysis Studio, Inc., The Onion, and The River 102.3 as its Haute sponsors for this year’s independent design, craft & fine art showcase. This shopping event brings together over 30 top local designers, crafters and fine artists from Austin, Texas and surrounding cities. The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin attendees will be able to peruse merchandise from incredible artists and crafters such as *annemarie*, Ballistic Sweater Girl Designs, Chia, Kandle Kidswear, Ornamental Things, Tasty Jewelry and many more high-end designers and crafters. Shoppers can indulge in complimentary facials and makeovers in the Beauty Lounge provided by Haute Sponsor Sarita Richmond of Mary Kay, or treat themselves to a decadent cupcake from local specialty vendor, Hey Cupcake! Attendees can capture the moment by having their picture taken in the Trevor Ray Thompson photo booth. All photos will be available for free download after the event. Attendees will enjoy shopping across a wide variety of gift friendly art and fine craft for all members of the family, including pets! Be sure to arrive to the event early as the first 30 shoppers to line up will receive goodie bags sponsored by DesignSociety.net, Shop Shop Designs and Southern Sister Designs, filled with fun local must-haves, and fabulous products from Shop Austin vendors.

Anne Marie Beard, co-owner of The Bearded Ladies Present and designer of the local handbag company *annemarie*, says, “As a business woman and artist it is important for me to support and lend exposure to independent designers, crafters, and other fine artists in the Austin Area. Vendors at The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin will benefit from more than just a booth; we are focused on promoting the individual vendor as never before. It is our goal to introduce all of Austin to our amazing vendors and to make available for purchase their unique and wonderful products! We want everyone at the event to take away a great experience and feel like they are a part of Austin’s Creative Community. The idea behind our event is to showcase the best of Austin’s Independent Design and Business community as well as to provide an alternative space to seek unique gifts and connect with the Artists and Business Owners on a more personal level.”

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin will take place from 11AM - 5PM at Saengerrunde Hall, (1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX) on April 18th, 2009. It features a juried selection of the best and most talented independent designers, crafters and fine artists from Austin, TX and beyond. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.thebeardedladiespresent.com/purchase_tickets

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin, is based in Austin, Texas. To learn more, visit http://www.thebeardedladiespresent.com

About The Bearded Ladies Present
The Bearded Ladies Present is a local event production company specializing in independent design, craft & fine art industries. Sisters Anne Marie and Allison, 5th generation Austinites, have family roots that run deep in the Capital City of Texas. Anne Marie’s creativity and Allison’s entrepreneurial experience combine to form The Bearded Ladies Present. The Bearded Ladies Present strives to connect vendors who represent the taste, culture, and fun environment of Austin with shoppers who expect the latest in design and quality.