Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
Hearts to Arts will host Art Mart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Stewart’s Hall/Oddfellows building, 158 SW Broadway, just across the bridge in Mill City.
Art Mart is a once-a-month event where artisans and crafters display their arts and, in some cases, teach how-to sessions. This month’s highlight will be classes for kids and adults on assembling locally made bird houses and tote kits, according to Ken Cartwright, one of several instructors.
“The kits were cut out and made ready by friends of Hearts to Arts members Doug and Nancy Kelly from Lyons,” said Cartwright, a member of the successful community event. The lumber was donated by Freres lumber of Stayton.”
All the kits are pre-cut to size. Tools needed to finish the kits are provided by Santiam Hearts to Arts, Cartwright added.
The cost per kit is $15 and includes materials and supplies. Kit assembly classes are open to kids ages 8 and up. Children under 10 must be accompanied by at least one parent.
“A little hand sanding, predrilled holes for the small nails to be nailed in is all that is required as well as waterproof glue to assemble,” Cartwright said. “No saws, knives or power tools will be used in the assembly.
“All who participate can then take the bird houses home and paint or decorate them,” he added. “It should take individuals about a half hour to assemble them. There are a limited number of kits, so first-come, first-served.”
Admission to Art Mart is free as is parking. Vendor space is limited to artisans on a first-come, first-served basis and applications are accepted prior to monthly events until spaces are filled.
“Art Mart is a very good 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.”
Held the first Saturday of the month, Cartwright said Art Mart is also a great opportunity for shoppers to meet the artists and crafters to talk about art items before purchasing.
“Arts and crafts are great affordable gifts anytime and they are made locally,” Cartwright said. “Please come and say hello and do some shopping.”
For monthly vendor applications or more information, send an email to [email protected] or call 503-897-6397 and leave a message.
“Please be sure and leave us your phone number,” Cartwright said.
The Santiam Hearts to Arts website is www.santiamh2a.org. The group also has a Facebook page to follow up-to-date classes and events.
