Winter ‘Arts and Crafts Market’ a success

INCLUDES ARTISTIC VIDEO | Find out why this outer East Portland event was created, and why it’s likely to continue in the future …

In the Mill Park neighborhood, lots of people attend the inaugural East Portland Community Center Arts and Crafts Market.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The Gymnasium inside the East Portland Community Center (EPCC) was alive with activity on December 7th, as its first-ever Arts and Crafts Market was underway.

Tables were set up around the perimeter of the expansive room, on which crafts and artworks of all kinds were offered for sale by their creators.

EPCC Recreation Leader Maggie Finley is pleased with how the Market is unfolding.

“This event came about because of our Art Wall display that is located just outside the gym, on the way to the aquatic center, in our solarium area,” pointed out EPCC Recreation Leader Maggie Finley. “You see, the ‘wait list’ of artists to exhibit on our Art Wall extends through 2025; with a standby waitlist on top of that!

>> See our 2013 article featuring Delores Wood and her family – the first to exhibit on the EPCC Art Wall: CLICK HERE.

Take our video tour of this new Arts and Crafts Market:

“Because we have so many artisans here in our area, and the Art Wall is so popular, it made sense for us to put this market together,” Finley told East Portland News.

Within 10 minutes of when their “Call of Artist Vendors” email went out, Finley pointed out, requests to participate started pouring in.

Showing off her superb artistry in glass is Melissa Zielinski of Mill Creek Glass – her works are also available online.

Offering raffle tickets inside the event, it’s the EPCC’s Front Desk person, Jo Quinn.

“Today we have about 30 vendors; some of them came in groups – that is, collectives – including from the Portland Art Guild. And we have some of our own staff participating as well!” said Finley.

“It kind of grew into a life of its own; I have a wait-list for this now, so we hope to expand on this in 2025!” she exclaimed.

Throughout the day, the vibrant marketplace brings together crafters and neighbors.

“The best part of this market is seeing how much our community really loves art and supporting small businesses, crafters, and makers in the community in general,” observed Finley.

When they schedule their next Arts and Crafts Market, you’ll find it listed in our Community Calendar!

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