Jim and Carol Young of the Hat People. This weeks featured artisans at the Lithia Artisans Market.
As we venture into Memorial Day Weekend the market is full steam ahead with 41 artisans signed up for May 24, 25. A great lineup of music, a hopeful weather forecast, and locally crafted creations displayed along the meandering footpath we call home, Calle Guanajuato. Carved stone beads and copper pendants, lamp worked glass sculptures you can wear, pottery set in silver rings, detailed silversmithing… adornment abounds this weekend as 12 different jewelry artisans will be on display. As well, the market offers up-cycled clothing, leather-work, photography, woodwork, pottery, and so much more. Visit Ashland’s hidden gem, the Lithia Artisans Market, wonderfully tucked behind the plaza buildings in downtown Ashland.
This weeks featured artisans are a husband wife team who have been making hats together for a long time. Jim and Carol Young are the happy owners of Hat People, from Talent, Oregon. Throughout the west coast these folks are renown for their long-lasting, stylish hats made from linen, wool, hemp and cotton. These hats stand the test of time. They have been making hats together since 1977, back when they lived in a cabin without electricity on an old gold mine claim way outside of Galice, Oregon on Silver Creek.
The Hat People back in the day. Jim and Carol Young with their son Jacob.
They got their feet wet testing their craft at the Portland Saturday Market that year, under the Burnside Bridge, in 1977. They are both fine artists at heart who found a niche early in their lives together making hats. They have been with the Lithia Artisans Market since its inception; long time advocates for the artisan way of life.
We are happy to honor our most veteran members of the Lithia Artisans Market on this Memorial Day Weekend. In honor of all those who have come before us, thank you for doing what you do.
This week take advantage and save a bit when you pick up a hat at the Hat People booth. 10% Off Everything!
A couple years ago I did an interview with Carol and Jim while we had dinner together up at the Hat Ranch. To read the interview with Jim and Carol go to… localsguide.com/hat-people. For more about their business go to hatpeople.com. It is a very fun, folksy website.
Jared Master brings his unique laid back style to the market this Sunday, May 25 from 3-5.
Music Schedule
Saturday, May 24
11-1 Rod Petrone – Classical Guitar
3-5 Doug Warner – Blues
Sunday, May 25
11-1 Adrian Bellue
3-5 Jared Masters – Singer Songwriter