Graduation Weekend at Lithia Artisans Market

Today I am humbled looking around our community. So much talent, so much promise, so much beauty everywhere I turn. Tonight I watched as the class of 2014 graduated from Ashland High. The lawn in front of the band shell in Lithia Park was packed with mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends and family. Watching these young people pass this milestone gives me so much hope. Live and love and find joy in this gift, this life. Dance, sing, tell stories, listen to the stream, listen to that inner voice which always knows which way to go. That seemed to be the over-riding theme of the evening. Don’t live for tomorrow, live for today. On behalf of the Lithia Artisans Market I wish all the graduates a full and joyful life. Enjoy the ride, it has only just begun.
The market is once again at full capacity. Over 40 artisans will be showing along Ashland Creek this weekend. Jewelry, clothing, fine art, wood work, photography, metal work and much more. The artisan life is one which embraces the unknown. Every weekend is a new adventure and you never know how things will turn out. No guarantee of a paycheck. There is no real rhyme or reason to anything we artisans do. Maybe that is why we love it. We follow our own inner guide… sometimes highly inspired, sometimes stuck in limbo, but always moving in our own time, at our own pace, by our own set of rules.
We are fortunate to have 18 new artisans in our market this season, with more on the way. One of our new artists is Erin Linton. Erin is a wildlife enthusiast whose stories about the winged creatures in her life are awe-inspiring. She is young but wise beyond her years, and she is clearly following her passion. Erin has some of the most unique art you will find anywhere. Come out and see what Erin has to offer, and listen to her stories. Everyone at the market has a unique story to tell. Let us honor the artist in all of us and enjoy the market, connect with the artisans of the region, and take time to live for today. It is going to be a beautiful weekend, it is a great time to be alive and thriving here in this special place, Ashland, Oregon.
The music lineup this weekend will be featuring all new musicians at the market… embracing change, embracing the new. Come out and support these talented young folks as they share their stories in the form of a song.
Musical Lineup
Saturday, May 30
11-1     Evan Smith
3-5      Dallas Burrow
Sunday, June 1
11-1     Orchestral Deluge
3-5       Kauhele