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For a local craftswoman, the motivation for organizing a marketplace in her community came from a decade of being unsatisfied with the environment she experienced at craft shows.
“I have been traveling to art shows for the past 10 years, selling my handmade items,” said Shylo Egenski, of Plymouth. “I felt there wasn’t anything in the area that focused on just handmade items.”
As a result, Egenski has organized 900 Marketplace, which will bring together 65 local and regional craft vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 at 900 Rutter Ave. in Forty Fort. The event also features food trucks, vintage goods and live music.
The Kimchi Dude, Haymakers Grill and FonDippity are among the food vendors while artists and craftspeople include Cole Hastings, Whimsy and the Welder, and Winged Wonders Jewelry.
Partnering with Maines Food & Party Warehouse and Families for Forty Fort Park, 900 Marketplace will feature a hot dog stand to benefit the community. Maines will donate hot dogs and condiments, and volunteers from Families for Forty Fort Park will sell the festival fare to raise money for activities in the park.
“We’re giving them everything they need to cook and collect donations,” Egenski said. “I have children that like to go to that park. It was one of the first things brought to my attention to try to help with.”
Egenski said 900 Rutter is the perfect place to hold such an event.
“The building is just so artful and attracts people who like art,” she said.
Egenski, who has sold little girls’ dresses made from vintage linens in the past and now chalk-paints vintage furniture to sell under the moniker Boho Vintage Home, said she has attended events where a crafter is set up next to a direct-sales contractor like a Tupperware or Avon salesperson.
“There are local craft shows that allow non-handmade items. I don’t think it’s fair to mix the two,” Egenski said.
She hopes, she said, to foster an environment where craftspeople of similar ilk can come together.
One of the those creators, Lyn Carey, who owns earth and wears, a specialty shop in Dallas, attends about 40 craft shows a year.
“I personally make handmade ceramic jewelry,” Carey said. “I frequently incorporate vintage items into my work.”
Carey will also bring along pieces by Plymouth artist Sean Brady, who works in wire sculpture.
She said 900 Marketplace will provide a unique experience for local vendors compares to similar events.
“If you don’t do a juried show, you don’t want to be in the same category as perhaps something where they’re selling four pairs of earrings for $5,” Carey said.
“(900 Marketplace is) going to be a lot of like-minded individuals, and the customers who are coming are going to want to support local,” Carey said.
While original items remain the focal point of the gathering, Egenski will incorporate “a flea market scene with vintage items.”
“That’s a skill in its own right,” she said of curating vintage goods.
The day’s live entertainment schedule showcases Katie Kelly & The Charming Beards, Ber Lynn, Tori Viccica, K8, DJ Evil Bee and two sets by Riffmatik.
Egenski said she hopes the marketplace will make artists feel at welcome and comfortable.
“I want the public to appreciate the work that goes into all of the handmade items. I want the artists to feel appreciated on their end,” she said.
For a full list of vendors or the vendor application form, visit bit.ly/2uiEr2E.
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