Being a badass and crafting go hand in hand for the creators who participate in Atomic Holiday Bazaar, which is back this year after a two-year hibernation forced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The show is also moving this year, from the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium to Robarts Arena. 

Adrien Lucas, Atomic’s almighty creator, started the indie craft show more than a decade ago to support local artists and artisans who were making handmade items that were quirky, eccentric and edgy. 

“This is a show for and by the world’s delightful irregulars,” Lucas says. “When I say ‘irregular,’ a lot of people think of a shirt with a weird sleeve. But what I mean is a whimsical nod toward those who walk to their own beat and who are amused by things that are not usually considered normal.” 

We spoke with three creators from this year’s show to learn more about their work.

Alicia Accardi has been an Atomic vendor twice now, and has two different booths: Sticky Fingers and VIVA Vintage. For Sticky Fingers, Accardi searches for dead insects, feathers and flora and preserves their unique beauty in decoupage so it can be admired by those who appreciate nature’s life cycles. For VIVA Vintage, she restores vintage and antique items to bring them back to life. “I love finding these items and rescuing them from the fate of them winding up in a dumpster,” Accardi says.

Deli Fresh Threads is owned by Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo, who started the sandwich-themed clothing brand in 2013. When you purchase something, Bencomo wraps it to look just like a to-go deli sandwich. “I had people think it’s a real sandwich,” he says. He will be appearing at Atomic for the fifth time.

Linda Janssen has owned Deviant Dollz for around seven years but is attending Atomic for the first time. She creates avant-garde skeletonized sculptures that appeal to the gothic Halloween spirit in everyone. “Be ready to be open-minded and see creativity,” Janssen says. “I make horror dolls, devil dolls, and I cut faces off. This is what makes my heart happy. As an artist, I want to evoke emotion.”

Atomic Holiday Bazaar takes place noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Admission is $6; kids are free. For more info, call (941) 539-9044 or visit atomicholidaybazaar.com.