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Craft Markets and Studio Sales in Athens and Nearby
By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com
an annual holiday tradition, regional artists
and makers come together every December to
showcase and sell their diverse, one-of-a-kind
creations. Whether it’s a multi-vendor fair or
an intimate open house at a private studio, these events
provide opportunities to connect directly with the talented
entrepreneurs who provide the backbone of Athens’ arts
community.
This year will look a little different, of course, as the
pandemic presents challenges to gathering safely. Many
markets plan to move their merchandise outdoors as much
as possible, and some will hold extended hours to better
spread out foot traffic. Masks are required at all markets,
and it’s not a bad idea to carry your own hand sanitizer.
There are also many artists who will have to skip this
season for understandable reasons, and it’s important not
to forget them. Countless artists sell wares through their
personal webpages or are open to taking commissions
if you simply ask. The newly launched Athens Creative
Directory-a searchable catalog of workers in the visual, lit
erary and performing arts organized by the Athens-Clarke
County Economic Development Department and CREATE
Athens (a division of Envision Athens)—aims to highlight
active artists this season. Search for “Holiday2020” on ath-
enscreatives.directory for a list of registered creatives, or
create your own listing if you’re an artist yourself.
Though there are only half the usual number of markets,
there are twice as many reasons to support artists whose
livelihoods have been severely impacted by the pandemic
this year. With over 20 different events scheduled over the
next three weeks, finding handcrafted and locally sourced
gifts can be a safe and worthy experience for all.
In the spirit of tradition, let Flagpole make shopping
locally a little simpler this year with our annual Holiday
Market Roundup, a list of artist markets, studio open
houses and craft sales happening in Athens and nearby.
6 FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER
In Athens
Though Good Dirt Clay Studio is still closed, aside from
its independent studio membership program and private
lessons for members, owners Rob and Jessica Sutherland
are currently offering private shopping appointments for
individual family or friend groups through Dec. 23 from
9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The Sutherlands’ work is also available
through Good Dirt’s online shop, with both shipping and
contactless in-person pickup available. Good Dirt is located
at 485 Macon Hwy. Contact the Sutherlands at 706-355-
3161 or info@gooddirt.net to set up an appointment, and
visit gooddirt.net/pottery for examples of work.
In addition to the Beechwood Shopping Center’s restau
rants and retail shops, the inaugural Beechwood Holiday
Market will set up several pop-up storefronts—including
Kempt, Matilda Jane and Ann Peden Jewelry—as well as
vendor booths and local artisans. Activities include hay-
rides, fire pits to roast s’mores, an ornament and craft sta
tion, seasonal food fare and Santa’s post office. Partnering
with the 501 Exchange, a Christmas tree farm will donate
a portion of proceeds each week to a different non-profit
like Extra Special People, The Sparrows Nest, American
Lunch and The Boy Scouts of America. Located at 196 Alps
Rd., the market is currently running through Dec. 20 on
Thursdays and Fridays from 6-9 p.m., Saturdays from 2-9
p.m. and Sundays from 2-6 p.m. Visit beechwoodathens.
com/holiday-market.
Maria Dondero’s 12th annual Marmalade Pottery Holiday
Sale will be held outdoors at Southern Star Studio, located
at 180 Cleveland Ave., Dec. 5-6 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The
ceramic artist will share a new collection of mugs, planters,
platters, pour-over sets and more, all decorated in her one-
of-a-kind illustrations of flowers, animals and faces. Check
out mariadondero.com.
Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market, at 815 N. Chase
St., will host an opportunity for seasonal shopping at
the Heirloom Holiday Market Dec. 5-6 from 9:30 a.m.-2
p.m. Handmade wares include jewelry, gourmet foods,
woodwork, ceramics, soaps and bath products, textiles
and more. Each day has a different lineup of vendors, with
participants like Will Eskridge, R8jR Secret Farm, Piedmont
Provisions, Normal Soap Company and Grands Designs.
Visit heirloomathens.com.
For specialty items straight from the garden, visit the
UGArden’s Have Yourself a Herbal Holiday Market
on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. In addition to UGArden’s
teas, seasoning blends, bath and beauty products, herbal
tonics and vinegars, the outdoor market will feature ven
dors such as Cherokee Moon Mixology, Mama Bath and
Body, MEplusTEA, Professional Plant Girl and Roseman’s
Remedies. UGArden is located at 2500 S. Milledge Ave.
Check ugardenherbs.com to learn more about the organic,
student teaching farm.
The West Broad Farmers Market will offer a special
Holiday Market Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. Online orders can
be placed during the week between Sunday at 5 p.m. and
Thursday at 1 p.m. for drive-through pick-up on Saturdays
from 11:30 a.m.-l:30 p.m. The in-person markets, held
10 a.m.-2 p.m., will focus on offering craft and gift items
in addition to the market’s staples of fresh produce and
baked goods. Both shopping options are held at the Athens
Housing Authority at 300 Rocksprings St. Go to wbfm.
locallygrown.net to order online.
Artists Zuzka Vadavik and Kyle Jones will host a
Ceramics Holiday Sale outdoors at the Athens Running
Company on Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
ARC is located near the Five Points intersection at 1210
S. Milledge Ave. Visit zuzkavaclavik.com and spencerkyle
jones.com to see recent creations.
2, 2020