Unity Church Art Fair Draws Nearly 600 Visitors

The annual Art and Craft Fair in Columbia raises money for the church and gives holiday shoppers a chance to buy handmade goods.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Philanthropy

Unity Church Art Fair Draws Nearly 600 Visitors

Live Poll

Do you plan to buy holiday gifts from local artisans this year?

Unity of Columbia hosted its annual Art and Craft Fair on the second weekend of November, drawing nearly 600 visitors on Saturday. Thirty-one vendors sold handmade ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, art and other goods.

Why it matters

The fair is the church's largest fundraiser, supporting its work through a bake sale, donations and vendor participation fees. Because the church takes no commission on sales, vendors keep their full revenue while the event funds the congregation.

The fair drew nearly 600 visitors on Saturday from 31 vendor booths, and organizers expect 200 to 300 visitors on Sunday. The total amount raised was not reported.

The players

Unity of Columbia

A church in Columbia, Missouri, that hosts the annual Art and Craft Fair as its largest fundraiser.

The details

Vendors sold handmade ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, art and other goods. The church raises money through a bake sale, donations and vendor participation fees, and it does not take a commission on vendor sales.

2017: The fair began as an event exclusive to congregation members.
Second weekend of November 2026: The annual Art and Craft Fair was held.

Philanthropy Pattern

Church-hosted holiday craft fairs have long served as a congregational fundraising model that pairs local artisans with community shoppers. Unity of Columbia's fair follows that model, opening to the public after its COVID-19 pause.

Shoppers looking for handmade holiday gifts can buy directly from local artisans at the fair. Each vendor fee paid to the church supports the congregation's programs.

The takeaway

Buying from local craft fairs puts money directly into artisans' hands and into community organizations at the same time. Shoppers seeking holiday gifts can compare vendors at events like this one before the season's crowds arrive.