The New Carrboro Craft Market

There is a new craft market in town! On Saturday, April 14th, come out to The Station parking lot on East Main Street, Carrboro from 10 am – 5 pm and enjoy locally handmade crafts, vintage goods, live music and specialty foods!

Editor’s Note: The Carrboro Craft Market is no longer happening. Hopefully someone will pick it back up and keep this wonderful event going!

The Carrboro Craft Market is a revival of sorts. Carrboro, NC has seen its share of craft markets in the past, but this new one is really unique. Twenty-five talented artisans, musicians and chefs will be gathering together every second Saturday of each month to promote and sell their works of art, play their music and cook up delectable treats. The variety and skill-level of participants is exceptional. For the very first Carrboro Craft Market on April 14th, several potters and jewelers will join a hat designer, a handmade children’s clothing designer, a candle maker, a furniture craftsman, several vintage clothing upcyclers, a wall hanging designer, a painter, a wool rover, a sculptor, a purse designer and a photographer. Each vendor lives within 50 miles of Carrboro, NC, so this craft market is definitely a local affair. Click here for a list of participating vendors.

There is much more to do here than simply purchase the works of local artists, although when you visit the vendors, you will definitely want to do that, too! Founder of the Carrboro Craft Market, Erin Griffin, has created a hands-on and educational experience that everyone is sure to enjoy. “A lot of the vendors are doing demonstrations because I really want it to be interactive,” explains Griffin, “not just about buying, but learning about what’s going on, learning what your neighbors know how to do.” Some of the demonstrations during the market will include: Ali and Ben of This&That Jam practicing the traditions of canning and preserving seasonal foods from local farmers; ceramicist Mark Warren bringing some molds and slip and giving demonstrations on how the slip casting process works, as well as explaining the history of industrial ceramics and its place in the modern studio environment; locally artisan roasted coffee company Carrboro Coffee Roasters of Open Eye Cafe demonstrating the coffee bean roasting process all day long; Sara Collier demonstrating the process of wool spinning using the Shetland and Shetland mix rovings of her own sheep that she has hand dyed, and many more demonstrations.

Along with these vendor skill shares, there will also be entertainment and fun activities throughout the day! Local musicians will be providing toe-tapping music, including celebrated jazz piano player Robert Griffin, who just happens to be Erin Griffin’s proud Papa. A free Kid’s Craft Project Table will be open all day long for your little ones to enjoy, hosted by the talented Shannon O’Connor, as well as an Adult’s Craft Project Table where grown-ups can “Build Your Own Terrarium” for a nominal fee. There is also going to be a raffle held with over 20 different prizes, such as: brunch for four at Acme restaurant, two Weaver Street Market gift certificates, a gift certificate for The Station, products from Townsend Bertram & Co., a 1-hour massage, a 1-hour lawn care service, and a 1 day glass blowing class. Tickets are just $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Be sure to bring your sweet tooth along, because there will also be delicious, locally produced delicacies available. Danielle Baldaras will be selling vegan/gluten free baked goods, Micah Intrator will have raw and vegan artisanal chocolates available for purchase, and Meghan Rice of Blended Baking will be there to tempt you with all kinds of sweet and savory foods.

The Carrboro Craft Market also supports local causes. Two tables at the market will be reserved for community outreach programs and non-profits. So while you are shopping, listening to music and eating treats, be sure to visit them to learn about wonderful local organizations like Paws4Ever Animal Sanctuary, who has been advocating for animal welfare in Chapel Hill since 1962.

You definitely will not want to miss this Carrboro Craft Market kick-off event, Saturday, April 14, 2012! Rain or shine, this is a great way to have fun with the whole family, while supporting your local artists and learning new skills taught by artisans from your own community!

For more information about the Carrboro Craft Market, how to become a vendor or a sponsor, and for a list of participating vendors, visit their web site: http://www.carrborocraftmarket.com.

For more information about Erin Griffin, founder of the Carrboro Craft Market, click here to read The Chapel Hill Recorder article: “Erin Griffin.”

Category: Arts & Entertainment