Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
After a two-year hiatus, Art Mart rises from the ashes!
The first Art Mart will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at the newly renovated Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway, just across the bridge in Mill City.
“Art Mart began three years ago as we were looking for a way to represent and promote artists and crafts-persons through Hearts To Arts,” said Ken Cartwright, KYAC general manager and program director. “Stewart’s Hall was in disarray, and we asked permission to rent the Mehama Youth Center for this event. Our first two events were very successful with vendors and the public showing up to look at and purchase arts and crafts, then COVID and then the Canyon fire caused us to stop the event.”
Art Mart is a once-a-month event where artisans and crafters display their arts and in some cases, teach how-to sessions, Cartwright said.
“There will be no arts and crafts on display that are made and imported,” he added. “All crafts and arts are locally made and sold at Art Mart.”
Participating artists/crafters and community members are excited for the event to return, Cartwright said.
“It’s an affordable opportunity – $20 per vendor – to show and meet directly with buyers,” he said. “It’s a one-day-a-month event so the energy ramps up for that one day, unlike longer events.”
Admission is free as is parking. Vendor space is limited to 20 artisans on a first-come, first-served basis and applications are being accepted now until spaces are filled.
“We feel that we will have space at Stewart’s Hall for more, but we need to get through one or two events to know that for sure,” Cartwright said. “The vendors at the first event are knitters, crocheters, wood workers, metal art makers, potters, fine art painters, recycle artists, and jewelry makes from very simple to very elegant.”
Lucy’s Mexican food trailer next door will be open for food and beverages. No pets or alcohol are allowed.
Cartwright said Hearts to Arts has been fortunate to have Cindy Mudrick, owner of The Craft Shack & More, which changed recently to Artisans Boutique, for gathering together many local artisans and crafters.
“With Cindy closing in late October, this Art Mart is a very needed venue for artists and crafters to show and sell their art without spending a lot of marketing money,” Cartwright said. “Some are full-time artisans and some are part-timers. It’s a great opportunity for shoppers to meet the artists and craftsperson to talk about the art before they purchase it.”
Hearts to Arts will also host an open house to show off the renovated Stewart’s Hall. Coffee and water will available. Masks will be available at the door upon request.
For vendor applications or more information, send an email to [email protected] or call 503-897-6397 and leave a message. The Santiam Hearts Arts website is www.santiamh2a.org.
