The highly anticipated Holiday Marketplace is returning to Easton’s Waterfowl Building after a three-year hiatus, December 1st-3rd. The event, perfectly timed for the holiday shopping season, will feature over 30 artists and makers selling their wares.
But the idea for a place that could host a group of talented artists began many years ago, when renowned mosaic artist Jen Wagner closed her St. Michaels store and found herself missing the creative process of running a gallery and creating events, something she had done over the past twenty years. “I love the challenge of putting together fun, interesting exhibits and events that benefit the community,” she said. When the Waterfowl Building became available for rent, she saw it as the perfect venue and opportunity to manifest her vision. The holiday artist market was held for a couple of seasons and likely would have continued its run if not for the pandemic and her husband’s illness.
And now it’s back!
Helping to spearhead the event are co-organizers Lisa Pierson, a designer of hand-crafted jewelry, and Josepha Price, a visual artist who uses a range of mediums. Price is no stranger to curating artists, having organized and run the successful summer Easton Arts District Culture Crossing along the Easton rails-to-trails for a couple of years.
When word got around that the Holiday Marketplace was on again, the response was overwhelmingly positive. “We heard from people who said they bought all their Christmas gifts there in 2019,” said Price. “Everything that they were looking for, they found. What made us happy was hearing that people were finding things they weren’t looking for, but once they saw it, they knew it was right. “
The three hand-selected a diverse array of artists and makers, intentionally showcasing a wide variety of mediums, artistic styles, and price points that would appeal to all tastes and budgets.
“Creating this year’s artist and vendor lineup was an exciting challenge,” said Wagner. “We have some artists coming from DC and Baltimore, people you may not have seen before bringing art that’s new to the area. We also have some favorites from previous years. It’s a great mix and not the same thing you see every year.” Found at the event will be toymakers, sculptors, soap makers, woodworkers, jewelry designers, ceramic artists, photographers, hand-cut puzzle maker (using your image), etc. season.”
Some highlighted artists to watch include:
is nationally acclaimed for her figurative bronze sculptures and wearable art over the past 45 years. Her pieces aim to show balance, harmony, and connection emerging from tension and stress.
Buzz Bulsby is a self-taught Jamaican-American artist based in DC whose vibrant, emotional abstract paintings draw influence from famed 20th-century expressionists.
Fiber artist Whitney Elliott of Double Rainbow Design finds inspiration from nature and crystals. She opened her art business in 2019 after experiencing personal hardships, using her craft as an outlet for healing.”
“We thought a lot about what will make people excited and happy when they come in. What will they find interesting,” said Wagner. “Added Price, “That’s the thing. Everybody grows from the experience; you learn something, and you experience something new. And it’s not just from the people participating. It’s everybody that comes to the event.”
Not only is the range of offerings remarkable but so too is the timing. “In years past, we have had multiple holiday shows going on around this time,” said Price. “This year, we seem to be the only one open for the holiday.”
Being the only gathering of this sort allows the organizers to not only offer a platform for artists and vendors but also to create a space for the community to come together–to connect with artists, find some unique gifts, support small businesses, and catch the holiday spirit. (We were also told to watch for surprises, including a five-foot-something 3D rabbit!)
Additionally, an important part of the event was weaving in opportunities for local nonprofits like the Chesapeake Resource Multicultural Center and Easton Elementary Schools (to name a couple). “It gives these groups a chance to fundraise, spread awareness, and be visible to people they might not usually reach,” said Wagner.
“I missed seeing everybody, said Wagner. I missed the artists, and I missed talking and planning with Josepha and Lisa. Besides, it’s just fun. It’s fun to dream and make it happen.”
Things kick off on opening night, Friday, December 1st, from 4 pm to 9 pm, with a festive party featuring The Paddy O’Players, a Celtic band, wine from Triplecreek, beer from Ten Eyck Brewery, and rum tasting by Lyon Distillery. The Ivy Café will also provide food. Some of the proceeds from food and beverage sales will benefit local organizations. Also, the drawings for Easton Moonlight Madness shopping prize packs will take place that evening.
The market continues Saturday, December 2nd, from 10 am to 5 pm, right before Easton’s annual Holiday Parade. It wraps up Sunday, December 3rd, from 10 am to 3 pm. Carolers will be on hand throughout the weekend, getting people in the holiday spirit.
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