Shop our
Print Collection

The Shop

As one of the few dedicated arts publications in Pittsburgh, The Bunker Review provides context to our audiences, offers unique interpretations, and creates space for discussions around contemporary art. In addition to traditional arts writing, we also publish experimental works, mixed media pieces, and explore online publication as a platform for art making. We are honored to support the careers of working artists and arts writers through a combination of writing opportunities, live events and audio-visual programming.

About the bunker review

Winter 2024 brought a new business venture to Garfield’s Penn Ave Arts and Small Business District: Fernando Quintanar’s Feliz Arbolito, which translates to “happy little tree.”

The Feliz Arbolito Christmas tree lot is nestled between Tasty Taquitos and Spak Brothers at the intersection of Winebiddle and Penn. / Photo by Jean Ortiz

This Christmas tree lot isn’t your average place to buy a Christmas tree. Created and operated by owner Fernando Quintanar, Feliz Arbolito—which means “happy little tree”—is tucked in between two Garfield foodie staples, Spak Brothers and the Quintanar family’s Tasty Taquitos, at the intersection of Winebiddle and Penn. Quintanar has created an artistic, joyful space for folks to buy trees, and we’re so thrilled to have him in the neighborhood. He can be found warmly greeting customers as they walk into the lot to pick out a tree, checking them out in his ultra-festive Christmas store on wheels, or helping folks get their trees tied onto their cars.

*Fernando Quintanar* */ Photo by Jean Ortiz*

*Quintanar sourced his trees from North Carolina farmers affected by Hurricane Helene.* / *Photo by Jean Ortiz*

*“The joy and community spirit seen at the lot is the true measure of our success, and it’s these moments of connection that really define Feliz Arbolito,” Quintanar says.* */ Photo by Jean Ortiz*

*Feliz Arbolito’s festive truck* */ Photo by Jean Ortiz*

“Working alongside my loved ones, we’ve learned that when we support each other, incredible things can happen,” Quintanar says. “These values guide us not only in business but in celebrating and nurturing the bonds within our community, especially during the festive season.” */ Photo by Jean Ortiz*

*“I see Feliz Arbolito as a cornerstone of our community, where families return year after year,” Quintanar says.* */ Photo by Jean Ortiz*

“Feliz Arbolito springs from deep-rooted family and community values, much like our venture at Tasty Taquitos,” Quintanar says. “Working alongside my loved ones, we’ve learned that when we support each other, incredible things can happen. These values guide us not only in business but in celebrating and nurturing the bonds within our community, especially during the festive season.”

He says that he’s dreamed of bringing Christmas trees to Garfield for years—beginning when his family planted a young blue spruce tree in front of their lot. “As that tree grew, so did our aspirations,” he says.

The devastation Hurricane Helene wrought on North Carolina—a major producer of Christmas trees—is also part of Feliz Arbolito’s story. “The recent floods moved me deeply, highlighting the struggles of farmers there,” Quintanar says. “Knowing their hardship firsthand drove me to source our trees from those affected areas, aiming to aid their recovery while bringing the finest trees to Pittsburgh.”

In setting up the tree lot, Quintanar committed to sustainability, using recycled materials he and his team sourced from Construction Junction. “Our goal was to create a festive, inviting space where the community can gather and create lasting memories—not just be a place to buy a tree,” he says.

And while this may be Feliz Arbolito’s first year in business, Quintanar is looking forward with excitement. “I see Feliz Arbolito as a cornerstone of our community, where families return year after year,” he says. “My dream is to expand this into a comprehensive farm-to-table operation that not only supplies our restaurant but also educates and involves the community in sustainable practices.”

“This season has been a learning curve and a blessing,” he continues. “The joy and community spirit seen at the lot is the true measure of our success, and it’s these moments of connection that really define Feliz Arbolito. A special thanks to John Lubarski, who brought us to Garfield almost 9 years ago. Without his support and belief in our vision, none of this would have been possible.”