For The Love of Art Markets

My local community didn't really have any activities or spaces for young people like me. We have parks and events in malls, but they never seem to fall into our radars as a reason to leave the house. That's why, ever since the first art market that popped into town, there have been a rise in popularity for art markets.

To clarify, an art market in this context is a term used by these organizers. It's a mix of artist alley and flea market with art merchandise, photobooths, crafts, food, curated thrifty clothes and more. Their demographic tends to be young creatives and students, but there are also families that attend because these events are free admission and are located in an accessible part of town.

However, with this rise in popularity and the severe lack of thriving third spaces in my area, I have noticed that the number of these markets have increased over time and frequency especially during the summer season. This would not be much of a concern until I started seeing patterns. There were a number of tables that were less about the product and more about your experience with it, does that make sense? Customizable bracelets with charms you get to pick out, laser-engraved pens, keychains with a printed photo of your choice, etc.

I wondered where I could find my next art print to collect as I pass through tables of unsold crochet, fuzzy wire flowers, 3D printed charms, bottles of perfume and body mist, things I might want to own but not to treasure. They're the kind of things that you would gift someone and not buy yourself, and many of them don't require as much creative effort as something like an illustration art print would.

Maybe this is just my imagination, but the art markets recently have been less about what you love to make and more about what makes the most money for the least creative cost. In these uncertain times, I understand that it's what many have to do. Selling at an art market gets expensive, and the profit may not always exceed your capital. People nowadays don't want to waste their money on less important things, so they buy the most "practical" products available. Still, I only wish that these local spaces don't lose their charm and original appeal, that they don't lose the art in art market.

Have you seen something similar in your local markets too? What's the experience like? I'd love to know!