BEST BET

Ever have an overwhelming urge to own a pair of hand-painted tennis shoes? If you are visited by such an impulse before next weekend you can find the item in question at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

It will be there, along with paper jewelry, stained glass windows, ceramic ducks, wooden pigs and other stuffed animals in a mass display of handcrafted items ranging from country style to polished silver. Other handmade items will include dry flower arrangements, pottery, folk art, wearable art, soft sculpture and holiday decorations.

The work of 70 Southwest artisans and craftsmen will be displayed during the Pacific Arts and Crafts Showcase staged this year for the first time in Long Beach. It is the third in a series of appearances for the show produced by DMC Expositions Inc.

There is no charge for admission, although children 16 and younger should be accompanied by an adult. Promoters expect at least 5,000 people to attend the event scheduled Nov. 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The convention center is at 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach.