The Lithia Artisans Market of Ashland is back! This upcoming weekend is our first collective venture out into the pubic space since the onset of the pandemic. This strange time is far from over, but we are learning how to adjust to the new reality. For the artisans market that has meant countless hours behind the scenes in zoom meetings figuring out all the logistics for the re-opening. Thank you for your patience in this unprecedented time.
NEW HOURS : SATURDAY 10:00-3:00 ~ SUNDAY 10:00-3:00
The leadership of the market is first and foremost concerned with the health and well-being of our community, our vendors, our patrons, everyone. We have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure your outdoor shopping experience is as risk free as possible.
-The artisans market is providing various hand sanitizing stations throughout our market.
-We Practice Social Distancing. Distance is Kind, 6 Feet is Love.
-We all wear masks. We encourage patrons to do the same.
-The artisans market is fortunately located outside in a beautiful location along Ashland Creek. This is a wonderful spot to do some local shopping. We ask that you do not touch without permission. It is a new day, and we have new guidelines for doing business. Things are not “back to normal”, they are the “new normal”. The “new normal” is about respecting each others space, including the items that are for sale. Please ask before touching, and please adhere to the the 6 foot social distancing guidelines.
Dan Elster of Elster Photography and fine artist Jessica Johnson helping remap Calle Guanajuato for the new season.
We are small but mighty this weekend. A handful of veteran artisans have decided that now is the time to come out of hiding and venture out to our place of business along the creek in lower Lithia Park. This weekend you will discover woodwork, fine art, nature photography, hand-cut stone beads, torch-worked glass, clothing, body care products (including organic hand sanitizer), hand made cloth masks by our local quilter Kris Daly, smithed silver pendants featuring stones of the region, and much more.
This is what we refer to as a soft opening. We are in the experimental phase of learning for ourselves how to navigate the new reality. We are grateful for the opportunity to come together again with you all and share space.
I wish to give a special shout out to our quilt maker Kris Daly. Kris worked with the board of directors to make cloth face masks for our membership so no one is without a mask. They are stylish and functional. Thank you Kris.
I also wish to thank Holly Gonnella who helped with all the new graphics and signage that needed to be created in order for the market to properly open. The awesome artwork in the sign is by our very own Amy Godard. You two worked miracles together. Bravo!
The board of directors has been stellar in their diligence and detailed thoroughness. Not a small task. Thank you! We also want to thank Parks and Recreation, and the City of Ashland for working with us to get the market up and rolling. Our desire is that everyone feels safe and welcome in these strange times.
As we all reengage once again with each other please remember to be patient, kind, and understanding. Not everyone is on the same page. Lots of folks are scared, anxious, unsure, and confused. None of us have ever been in this place. It’s a new day. Chillin’ on the creek with my peeps.
Distance is kind, six feet is love…
Support local, it matters. Now more than ever. Peace.