‘Winter Artisan Market’ comes to East Portland neighborhood center

Here’s a look at a fun East Portland Holiday event that took place, not long ago …

Lots of attendees at the first “Winter Artisan Market”, at the Brentwood-Darlington Community Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The Brentwood-Darlington Community Center was a lively destination for Holiday activity on December 9, as the inaugural “Winter Artisan Market” was underway.

During the four-hour market, shoppers browsed among 17 vendors’ tables, snacked on the goodies available, and had family photos taken with Santa Claus.

Happy to see so many people at the market were organizers Emilie Wright and Alli Gannett.

“The idea for this started some time ago, when I noticed that a lot of people here in our neighborhood are very artistic, and are crafters and makers,” Winter Artisan Market Coordinator Emilie Wright told East Portland News.

“I wanted to bring all of these talented people together,” Wright continued. “So, last summer, I decided to hold a small Artisan Market in my yard, expecting four people or five crafters to show up. It ended up being about 20 exhibitors at what became a combination marketplace and street party!”

By day, vendor Lacye Fulmer says she works for a telecom company; but by night, crafting is what she does for recreation.

“We all had so much fun we decided to do another market during the winter! So the Winter Artisan Market is here, spotlighting all of these delightful artists,” Wright explained.

Between the photo sessions here we see Santa’s helper, volunteer Katy Benson; photo project sponsor Kim Woodhouse; Santa Claus; and photographer Ashlie Behm.

Meantime, the “Family Photo with Santa” booth did a brisk business! “The professional pictures by Ashlie Behm Photography are free; we’re asking they bring donations for the ‘Woodstock Pantry Build’ Project. More than 50 families have signed up for photos!” said its host, Real Estate Broker Kim Woodhouse with eXp Realty, LLC.

At a craft vendor table we found shopper Mary Parsons holding a “frankfurter bowl cozy” while Stephanie Banrion showed off one of her handmade lighted shadowbox decorations.

Wright, and co-organizer Alli Gannett smiled they’re already planning to do another such market in the summer – again, at the Brentwood-Darlington Community Center – and most likely in late September, in the parking lot.

On our Front Page: Whit Randall, of Juice Box Jungle, snacks on a cookie.

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