By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Do you enjoy giving meaningful, handmade gifts or bringing home something special for yourself?
The Firehouse Cultural Center is bringing the community together for a vibrant Pop-Up Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the FCC Pottery Studio, 102 First Ave. NE, Ruskin.
Admission and parking are free.
Potter Trish Veloso finishes arranging a display of her handmade creations for the Oct. 25 Pop-Up Market at the Firehouse Cultural Center Studio, 102 First Ave. NE, Ruskin.
The market will feature 19 vendors showcasing their creations from one-of-a–kind functional or sculpted pottery items, knitted gnomes, holiday ornaments, embellished handmade pillows, fine silver, handcrafted semi-precious stone and chainmail jewelry, woodworking, hand-painted cards, acrylic and watercolor paintings, tie-die T-shirts, innovative glass art and more.
Here’s the rundown of participating local artisans and artists:
Potters: Trish Veloso, Sue Marsella, Bre Rouse and Pat Galletti
Jewelers: Kate Hamilton, Dee Hood and Jane Feutz
Fine art painters: Brenda Eastep, Vicki Knauff, Fran Brown, Margit Redlawsk and Fran Brownwell
Woodworker: Barry Davis
Mixed media: Elisa Gomez, Lynda Neal, Melissa Hartman
Glass artists: Heidi Citron
Knitter: Dottie Sesario
Most are past Made by Hand market vendors or current FCC class instructors.
“We feel it’s important to showcase art in all its forms,” said Beth Stein, Firehouse Cultural Center director of operations. “Something made by hand is intrinsically more precious and carries greater value than a mass-produced alternative.”
Stein said the Pop-Up Market provides local artists with a low-cost venue to reach new customers while giving residents the opportunity to meet the people who create unique, handcrafted items and purchase them directly.
Painter Vicki Knauff and Silversmith Kate Hamilton, of Ruskin, agree.
“I'm grateful to the Firehouse Cultural Center for hosting this pop-up market,” Knauff said. “It’s very helpful when someone gives me an opportunity to display my art and a great way for me to see the work of other talented artists.”
“There are fewer and fewer venues like galleries and brick-and-mortar shops for local artists to show their work,” Hamilton added. “So these kinds of events are increasingly important.”
By the way, the MacBeth and Cheese stage production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is at 3 p.m. that day. Tickets are still available at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or by calling 813-645-7651.
“Come browse, shop and find something truly special,” Stein said. “Then come join us for a fantastic murder mystery!”