Artisan Markets and Pop-Ups

One of my favorite things to participate in is pop-ups and markets! I have attended these local events since I was a young kid and I have been participating in them since 2017. Some are as large as several blocks/full streets and some are as small as a parking lot. What is an artisan market? It is an opportunity for local vendors, craftsmen, and boutique businesses to come together in a space where the public can engage and see what small businesses in their community have to offer. It is perhaps the best way to meet other local artists in and around the area. I love seeing all the different artwork and products and it’s a great way to support local small businesses. Artsgoggle in Fort Worth, Texas has been an annual festival I looked forward to, since it was very close to the home I grew up in. It started as a small word-of-mouth event and now takes up several blocks full of local artists. The event continues to grow every year. While Artsgoggle is an outdoor event, some events take place inside. One year I was part of a winter holiday market that an elementary school was kind enough to host. Some events are well known and happen annually or seasonally, while others pop up with short notice but are a nice surprise if you happen to be in the area.

One thing both pop-ups and artisan markets or festivals have in common is the stress of preparing and setting up your space. You also have the wonderful opportunity to engage with your audience and answer any questions they might have for you in person, something you might not get to do at a gallery. Gallery shows usually are up for a time, but you may not be around to interact with your audience unless it’s opening night. The stress in these events comes from ensuring you’re prepared for the weather, all forms of sales, and have a variety of products that might interest your audience, and of, course the set up and clean up. They are a ton of fun!