Support Makers this Artist Sunday! + Maker Market Success

 Erie Arts & Culture and our collaborating partner, Erie Downtown Partnership, hosted the second annual Western Pennsylvania Maker Market on Nov 19, 2022.  The Western Pennsylvania Maker Market is a one-day pop-up marketplace that is an alternative to mainstream retail. To create value to you, the consumer, Erie Arts & Culture curated a diverse selection of vendors, highlighting the quality handmade objects created by artists and artisans from throughout western Pennsylvania.  We welcomed 45 maker-vendors from Erie to Pittsburgh. Vendors included printmakers, papermakers, woodworkers, furniture builders, ceramicists, illustrators, tailors, clothing and fashion designers, glass blowers, candle makers, video game designers, filmmakers, coffee roasters, beer brewers, and more. We had the pleasure of welcoming the community into the main floor of FEED Media Arts Center for the first time. Over the course of five hours, we estimate we had over 600 visitors and customers.

Thanks to sponsorship from National Fuel Gas Company and Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., we were able to keep this event 100% free for our vendors and they kept the entirety of their sales. We were also able to provide each vendor with tables and chairs.

Your support of artists and makers can continue through the holiday season! This weekend as you shop small, consider purchasing art and items from our regional makers. We've included a list of Makers below for you to support.

Mark your calendars: Small Business Saturday is November 26 and Artist Sunday is November 27. Please put some of our makers, artists, and vendors on your holiday shopping list!

We hosted 45 vendors.

Here's feedback from our surveyed vendors:

"I am so happy and honored to be a part of the 2nd annual Maker Market. It was such a positive experience for my first time selling my art. Everyone was so helpful and supportive. I loved having the opportunity to meet other creatives and getting such kind feedback about my art. - Callie Mae

"I never participated in a Maker Market before but the space, people and fellow artists were wonderful and interest and sales were higher than I would have imagined. I'll never miss a Maker Market again!" - Lyons Den Productions

"There was a sense of renewed joy in the venue, after a long pandemic-induced separation." Carol Posch Comstock

"The crowd was so friendly and supportive, making it a pleasure to participate in the event." - Sue Amendolara Jewelry

"The media surrounding the Western PA Makers Market lead to a very successful event!" - Flagship City Press

"Absolutely a GREAT experience. Meeting the best people. I made some great connections and the entire environment was just stellar. Enjoyed sharing & connecting our yarn knitting and crocheting group that will start meeting Dec 14th from 5 to 8 pm at Erie Food Co-op. Will be amazing to see my yarn transformed into projects." - Three Tulips Yarn Company

"I was glad to be featured at the WPMM along with lots of other creative artists and craftspeople. Despite the cold weather, the people of Erie came out to support the artisans who work to make unique products in their local economy, and everyone who stopped by my booth was excited to give something handmade to friends and loved ones this holiday season." - The Daggerfish Gear Co

13 vendors completed our post-market survey and indicated that they collectively experienced $4,700 - $10,600 in sales for the day.

• 100% vendors stated that the event exceeded their expectations.
• 100% vendors indicated that they would return next year.

Mark your calendars: Small Business Saturday is November 26 and Artist Sunday is November 27. Please put some of our makers, artists, and vendors on your holiday shopping list!

For artist Sunday, we encourage you to shop online or visit maker's brick-and-mortar stores. For Small Business Saturday, the Erie Downtown Partnership is hosting an event in Erie, PA. The details are below.

Click here to learn more