Take a look at how small businesses and artisans began the season, at the Rosewood Holiday Market …
Artist Molly Costello of Molly Costello Art & Design is one of the 30 vendors taking part at this year’s Rosewood Holiday Market.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Midday on November 28, the Rosewood Community Center was bustling with activity, as the 3rd annual Rosewood Holiday Market got underway.
The festive Holiday bazaar featured handmade gifts, baked goods, bath works, and Holiday decorations, sold by micro and small community businesses and artists.
Rosewood Initiative Events Coordinator Aaron Vongdeuane stops for a moment, as vendor Vanessa White of Just V Natural demonstrates and sells her own line of natural skincare products, made with “local, natural, organic ingredients”.
“This gives people who are starting and operating small enterprises an opportunity promote their businesses and get the word out about them,” said Rosewood Initiative Events Coordinator Aaron Vongdeuane.
Some 30 vendors displayed their wares on tables set up in the community center.
“Markets like these are a great way for the community to come together to get involved, and to help foster economic growth in our area of outer East Portland,” Vongdeuane told East Portland News.
Rosewood Initiative Executive Director Jenny Glass gleefully selects a Holiday decoration. In the background, Tony Lamb, the organization’s Director of Economic Development, also looks mighty jolly.
The Rosewood Initiative crew – Jenny Glass, Tony Lamb, Dallas Jenkins, Jossie Hernandez, and Aaron Vongdeuane – tell Santa they’ve been “very good” this year.
In addition to browsing among the vendors’ offerings, shoppers were offered hospitality with snacks and beverages. And, Santa Claus was on hand for individual and family portraits, and of course, “selfies”.
“The best part of this for me is just seeing the community come and have a fun time being together,” observed Vongdeuane. “And our vendors seem to also enjoy talking with one another and mingling, as well as selling their products.
Portland Police Bureau officers have always been very supportive of Rosewood events, including Officer Robert Searle who said he decided to stop in at the Holiday Market while on patrol in the area, talks with a vendor.
“It’s really a cool, positive way to start the Holidays,” Vongdeuane reflected.
To learn more about how non-profit The Rosewood Initiative endeavors to make the neighborhoods of Centennial, Glenfair, and Rockwood more desirable places to live, work, and play, see their website: CLICK HERE.
Artist KoriYani D. Baptist shows her inspired artwork.
© 2015 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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