Summer Art Market Better Than Ever
New this summer, the weekend Art Market will be under the umbrella of the Questa Creative Council, and it will occur on Saturdays instead of Sundays. Much of the QCC’s work brings our local artists to the attention of potential customers, so Art Market participants will now have even more promotion, in addition to the attention they get being located in the popular Questa Farmers Market site. Even more visitors and locals now have another reason to explore Questa at this lively downtown spot.
A big improvement for this year will be a new, safer parking plan with nearby, off-site areas on offer. Local leatherworker Torre Strong continues to manage the Art Market as she has done for the last two summers. “Having lived in Questa for over 30 years, I am excited to help create a venue for local artists to display and sell their work on a weekly basis,” Torre says, “With so much talent in the area, this is much needed.”
Torre has organized a group of between 4 and 14 participants who will show their creations every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., between Memorial Day weekend and Cambalache in the autumn. On offer are original works of pottery, jewelry, painting, woodworking, leatherwork, and textiles. You might also find booths for Reiki or Tarot reading on occasion.
Here are some of the craftspeople to expect to see this summer:
Artist and teacher Laura Holk introduced her work to the Art Market last summer. Her innovative wooden jewelry that incorporates semi-precious stones, often turquoise, are especially popular. Giddeon Brown creates handmade silver rings and bracelets. Additionally, what draws many people to his booth is his vintage jewelry collection on offer. Torre herself makes leather purses, belts, and jewelry; all her original designs. Torre uses only wild leathers such as bison and deer. She has been doing this work for 40 years. With an alternative upbringing in the Pacific Northwest and an artistic nature, creative work has been a priority for her since her teen years. Custom orders are available.
The Art Market welcomes vendors within a 50-mile radius of Questa. It is located next to the Questa Visitors Center, on the sheltered Farmers Market site. Set-up at the Art Market is on a first-come-first-served basis, though, really, all spots are good in this small venue. A peddler’s permit is required and can be purchased at the Visitors Center, on-site, for $35. This covers the whole season.
Since the closure of Questa’s mine in 2014, several groups stepped up to enhance the economy of our community. The Questa Farmers Market and the Questa Creative Council have already accomplished several of the direct recommendations of Questa’s Revitalization Plan. The arts was one of the main sectors for rebirth cited, and with increased tourism and agriculture as additional goals—this lively corner of Questa is accomplishing much for all of us.
Questa Creative Council and the Farmers Market add income to the pockets of locals and succeed in promoting Questa as a destination for fun, artistic, (and nourishing!) summer events.
For questions or more information, email questacreativecouncil@gmail.org with subject line “Art Market.” Or leave a message for Torre at (575) 586-5658
A big improvement for this year will be a new, safer parking plan with nearby, off-site areas on offer. Local leatherworker Torre Strong continues to manage the Art Market as she has done for the last two summers. “Having lived in Questa for over 30 years, I am excited to help create a venue for local artists to display and sell their work on a weekly basis,” Torre says, “With so much talent in the area, this is much needed.”
