The Market present by The Avenue for the Arts:
July 13, 2013
Noon to 8 p.m.
South Division Avenue betweent Fulton Street and Cherry Street
Free
The second Market presented by The Avenue for the Arts of the summer will be held from noon to 8 p.m. this Saturday, July 13 on South Division Avenue between Cherry Street and Fulton Street. The June Market saw 64 vendors, and the July Market hopes to welcome in approximately 80 vendors according to Jessica Hacker, Market Coordinator for The Avenue for the Arts.
The Market will feature emerging artists attempting to get their careers off the ground, artists already established within the community, handmade goods, buskers, live music, food and a general “array of performance,” says Hacker.
“There is nothing else like it in Grand Rapids, or West Michigan for that matter. This is the only street art market in Grand Rapids! It has a true downtown feel,” she says.
The Market offers a diverse range of art goods and is always open to anyone interested in getting their work out there and becoming a part of the burgeoning Grand Rapids art community, says Hacker.
“The great thing about the Market is that it is inclusive, easily accessible and affordable. While there is a focus on the handmade, we never turn anyone away that wants to participate,” Hacker says. “[There will be a] variety of handmade goods available, from homemade pie and ice cream to tie-dye shorts, hand-pulled prints, buttons and large scale fine art paintings.”
The Market will also be welcoming in two new businesses to the South Division Avenue art community. Have Company and Harbinger Leather Design will be sharing a space at 136 South Division Avenue and their “soft opening” will coincide with the Market on July 13.
“Having a storefront…encourages making, gathering and generating income for ourselves as artists and entrepreneurs,” says Marlee Grace, founder of Have Company. “[The Market is] just the best day. Everyone is outside, smiling. It's the ultimate celebration of being alive. What better day to open our doors?”
The Avenue of the Arts will be accepting vendors until 11 a.m. on the day of the Market. Any interested participants are encouraged to contact The Avenue for the Arts.
There will be also be live entertainment in the parking lot at 106 South Division Avenue throughout the day. The lineup includes:
3 p.m. - Wazobia (drums)
4 p.m. - Amanda Anthony (Bellydance performance/instruction)
5 p.m. - KamiNari (Electric)
6 p.m. - Jake Stilson (Acoustic)
7 p.m. - Freddy Fresh (Hip Hop)
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.