50 years ago, Miriam Greenfield, a local potter, and Jim Brown, a University of Florida economics and sociology professor, partnered and formed the local Artisans’ Guild to create a network for local craftsmen and women to display and sell their work. Fifty years later, that same Artisans’ Guild Gallery is hosting an open-air art market on Oct. 31 where guests can interact with artists and buy their work.
The Artisans’ Guild Gallery features 50 member artists who create art in several mediums including painting, jewelry, photography, glass, pottery, textiles and more. Their online store offers anyone the opportunity to purchase local art.
Located at 224 Northwest 2nd Ave, the gallery is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone (wearing a mask) can visit the gallery and view the handmade crafts.
“We decided to create the market with our move to our new location, 224 NW 2nd Avenue. This is a renovated Craftsman’s Style house; we have a porch and a wonderful backyard space. We are able to have a safe outdoor event with one way in one way out, social distancing of the artists’ booths, plenty of hand sanitizer and everyone must wear masks,” JoAnn Alarid, advertising chairman of the Artisans’ Guild Gallery said.
On Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists will be on the porch and the grounds of their newest home only a block from The Top restaurant. One-way paths will be marked, and masks are required, but guests can roam around the outdoor market while meeting the member artists and shopping for handmade gifts.
“Our goal is to showcase emerging artists, young artists, innovators and makers,” Alarid said. “For this market we will have 15 artists, Miami musician Eddy Baloza and local musician Eric Diamond. Sweetberries will be here as well serving their frozen custard and drinks.”
For those unable to attend this market, the Artisans’ Guild Gallery will be hosting these Art Markets on the second Saturday of each month. Whether on the hunt for custom earrings, a new pot for a succulent or a new painting for the living room, the Artisans’ Guild Gallery offers it all. Purchasing directly from a local artist not only gives the buyer a unique item, but it also promotes small businesses and supports the community.
“The Artisans’ Guild Gallery is among the oldest continuously running cooperatives in the country and features fine arts and fine crafts by 50 local artists. Unfortunately, we could not hold our 50th Golden Anniversary events due to Covid,” Alarid said.
The Artisans’ Guild Gallery has provided a platform for local artists for the past 50 years, and this market serves as an opportunity to support their mission. Rather than purchasing an overused stock image poster online or a pair of earrings mass-produced overseas, support sustainable and local art by purchasing from Gainesville artisans this upcoming Saturday.