Mantua – Due in part to the success of last year’s program, the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC) will again be hosting a Holiday Pop-Up Artists’ Marketplace in Mantua. The shop will be popping-up this weekend at 10676 Main Street, the same storefront as last year. Once again, the gallery will feature unique pieces from local artisans, ceramic artists, woodcrafters, photographers, and designers. Visit the Pop-Up Artist’s Market page on Facebook to see a sampling of the work that will be available for sale. But that’s just the start of the treasures you’ll find at this year’s Artists’ Marketplace.
Local artists include glass artisans Carrie and Patrick Frost, whose lovely hand blown work was featured last year. New artists include fabric artist Carole Pollard, whose imaginative quilts and wearable pieces have been featured in high-end art shows and local quilt shows alike. In addition, local painter Xyl Lasersohn’s work will also be featured. This young artist’s striking work has been displayed at both the Hedges and Spaces Galleries in Cleveland. You’ll find work from these talented individuals, as well as many other local treasures.
According to Sandy Kreisman, one of the event’s organizers, this year’s event will provide even more treasures than last year. That’s because in addition to providing a place to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts, the Artists’ Marketplace will also host a variety of workshops and events throughout the season. “The goal is to use the arts to stimulate economic development,” Kreisman explained. This idea has been successful in other rural areas across the country, from Gulfport, Mississippi to Glenrock, Wyoming, and beyond.
The events at Mantua’s Artists’ Marketplace will range from hands-on opportunities to create holiday décor, printed gift wrap, and handmade journals, they’ll also provide the opportunity to attend artist demonstrations, poetry readings, and storytelling events throughout the season. For example, Rosie Standish from Field of Blooms will show visitors how to use natural materials to decorate for the holidays on Saturday, November 17th.
Storyteller Robin Echols-Cooper has spent her life collecting & telling stories. In this workshop & performance, she’ll tell some of her favorites and will give you some inspiration for collecting family stories of your own at Thanksgiving. Her event takes place on Sunday, November 18th. Thanks to financial support from the Ohio Arts Council, the Portage Foundation, and the DMRC, these events are free to attend, but due to limited space, reservations are required. Space for these events is limited — visit Eventbrite,com to secure your spot.
To kick off this year’s holiday season, the Marketplace will be hosting a grand opening event this Saturday evening, November 10th, from 6-8 pm. Plan to stop by to meet local artists and pick up some wonderful gifts for your loved ones or yourself. The Marketplace will be open beginning this weekend and running through December 23rd; be sure to stop in early in the season for the best selection of one-of-a-kind items.
The Marketplace is located at the corner of Prospect & Main Streets (10676 Main Street) from Sunday, November 11th through Sunday, December 23rd. Hours are Thursdays & Fridays from 1 pm – 7 pm; Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.
For more information or a complete listing of all events, workshops and artists, call or text 330-221-0421 or 330-233-0076 or visit www.revitalizemantua.org or the DMRC page on Facebook.
