‘Locals-only’ Artisan Market flourishes in Brentwood-Darlington

See how this outer East Portland pop-up makers’ fair has grown into a substantial summertime marketplace …

Shoppers stop in to browse and buy at this year’s Brentwood-Darlington Artisans Market.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

What has become the “Brentwood-Darlington Artisans Market”, held this year on Saturday, June 28th, at the Brentwood Darlington Neighborhood Center, had humble beginnings – starting as a “pop-up” art fair three years ago. That’s what organizers Alli Gannett with Emilie Wright reminded us, at this year’s market.

They’re enjoying the success the market has achieved, say organizers Emilie Wright and Alli Gannett.

“This got started when I noticed that there are a lot of artisans right here, in our own neighborhood,” Alli Gannett recalled.

“My original plan was to have a little backyard event, and have a few people come to a pop-up art show. But, with 20 artisans being interested, we ended up creating a block party three years ago,” she added.

‘Local Potter’ Mayumi Sekigawa shows off one of her ceramic works of art at the Brentwood-Darlington Artisans Market.

Selling her brownies at the Brentwood-Darlington Artisans Market, it’s Lewis Elementary School student Eleanor Duffy.

In the second year, they worked in collaboration with the Community Center, Gannett said. “Now, this year, with 35 vendors, it’s feeling more like an ‘official’ event!”

“This year, we did more marketing; and, we added a ‘Kids’ Zone’ where six young vendors are participating this year,” pointed out event partner Emilie Wright.

By noon, they’d counted more than 200 people coming through the outdoor art marketplace. “Look for us to return for a ‘Holiday Makers Faire” late this fall,” Gannett grinned.

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