While trying to break through a writers block this week, it dawned on me that we have a lot of new vendors this year. This is not the same old market. I often hear, from locals, that the market is the same bunch week after week. That is true on one level, many of us die-hard vets have been out in this little back alley of Ashland for many years. I have personally been out here for 17 years, Jean Bakewell longer than that. Jim and Carol Young of the “Hat People” have been part of the market for well over 20 years. However, every year we have a new crop of folks who join our artisan market family, and this years crop is great. I will concentrate this week on a few, and a few more next week.
Erin McDonnell weaves feather extensions into the hair of a happy market goer at Lithia Artisans Market, Ashland, Oregon.
“What is there for kids at the market?” Another question I’ve been asked. This year there is plenty. We have a new face-painter, a new henna artist, a gal weaving feathers into hair, and a woman making really cool hula-hoops. For me, this pumps up the colorful, festive side of our market and makes it so much more appealing to the younger crowd. Kids can be getting a henna tattoo while mom and dad check out some art. The market is as vibrant, colorful, and hands on as I have seen in recent history. The market is exciting.
Here are some photos of some of the fun new things going on at Lithia Artisans Market, the oldest running, outdoor art and craft market in Southern Oregon.
Mila Valenta demonstrating her hoops at "Full Moon Hulu-Hoops". Lithia Artisans Market, Ashland, Oregon.
Henna Art Tattoos by Cassandra Wass at Lithia Artisans Market, Ashland, Oregon.
Here is the weekend music schedule…
Saturday, July 16
11:30-1:30 Rod Petrone
3:00 – 5:00 Shybo
Sunday, July 17
11:30- 1:30 The Kalmiopsis Players
3:00 – 5:00 Guitano del Norte
See y’all on the Calle Guanajuato.