The Lithia Artisans are moving part of the Market into the front of Lithia Park along Winburn Way. This is an historic and bold move for the market and the downtown scene. As we all strive to create more room between ourselves this season, stretching our market out is the way to go. We are slowly coming together as a community in safe spaces, outdoors. If we do this right we can all benefit and the downtown scene can be both vibrant and safe. That is what the city is trying to do, stretch the public spaces so we are all safe.
Tye Austin, classical guitarist, playing music at the Lithia Artisans Market.
The artisans market has the upmost respect for the crown jewel of Ashland, Lithia Park. We are honored that the Parks Commission is working with us this season to use part of the front lawn area for artisan booths. This creates cohesion between the new “Summer Series” downtown scene and the Lithia Artisans Market which still resides on Calle Guanajuato. The market now runs from Mix Sweet Shop all the way up Calle Guanajuato, past the mural, and onward across the street to the lower Lithia Park, and includes the parking lot next to the Winburn Way Bridge. Art in all corners of the Downtown Ashland scene. Thank you Ashland Parks and Recreation!
NEW HOURS: SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 10-3
For the first time this season we will have live music! Tye Austin is a classical guitar prodigy and a native to Ashland. I met Tye when he was an undergrad at SOU. He left Southern Oregon to pursue his career as a classical guitarist and worked with masters like Eliot Fisk at the New England Music Conservatory, and Sharon Isbin at The Juilliard School. He also studied flamenco guitar performance for a summer with David Martinez at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Granada, Spain. Today he is back in Oregon doing pop-up concerts around Oregon and getting back to his gypsy roots. We are honored to have him play for us on Saturday from 12:00-2:00pm in front of Lithia Park.
Remember to Tip the Musicians. The market cannot afford to pay our musicians as well as they deserve so they truly rely on tips to live. Tip your local musicians. It feels good, and they need your support. Now more than ever.
Let’s all be part of the solution that gets us through this pandemic. We have to learn to navigate in new ways. Wear your mask when out in public, especially in a place like the market where we are in closer contact with people, artists, farmers, our friends. Keep to the six foot distancing. The whole idea of spreading out is so that we can all afford each other more space. Distance is kind, six feet is love.
Our iconic sunflower can be seen all around town, the Lithia Artisans Market is coming out into the wide open spaces. The sunflowers in the garden are enormous and they are just now starting to bloom. The theme of Downtown Ashland this weekend is flowers, coming into bloom… We can dig it! Look for our lawn signs popping up all over the place featuring the sunflower art of Mabrie Ormes, a regular showing artist at the Lithia Artisans Market. Lovin’ the cool vibes and community spirit shining through right now. “Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in…”
Flowers abound, the earth feels soothing, we are all helping one another and showing each other kindness and respect. That is how you tend Mother Earth and that is how we must treat one another. Ask before touching this season, wash or sanitize your hands often, and be mindful. What you are comfortable with may not be so for your neighbor. Respecting boundaries is key right now, and we at the market are making that space available.
Hope to see many of you out and about this weekend. .
Artfully crafted by local hands.
Live Music
Saturday, July 11
12:00-2:00. Tye Austin – Classical Guitar