What's next?

Our first First Friday not running is coming up.

While it may not look like much is going on over here, we're doing lots of brainstorming and planning.

We're looking a a community BBQ, hosting free workshops and running a holiday market.

What do you want to see the Makers & Market do next?

Changing formats

Well, it's been a blast Winnipeg.

We've had a great time putting on the market every month as a part of First Fridays for over the past year. But now it's time to move on to bigger things.

We were having trouble bringing enough people through the door to get our amazing vendors the sales they deserve.

So, we're cutting back to four events a year. Some will be markets like we've been doing. Others will be workshops and outdoor events.

Come celebrate the change with us by attending the last monthly market on June 6 at 318 Ross. So many musicians wanted to perform we've extended the hours to be from 5:00-10:00. There will be a crafting party and as always many great vendors.

The power of buying local

When you buy something from a box store, who gets the most of that money?

Not the employees who work in the area. The owners, who don't live here. So that money you're spending doesn't go to local Winnipeggers to spend in the city. It goes elsewhere to be spent somewhere else.

When you buy something from a local person, who gets most of that money?

They do. What they spend goes to accountants, people who organize craft shows and (for the most part) other local people.

Keeping money local is great for the economy.

Help build Winnipeg's economy by shopping at the Makers & Market. The next one is June 6.

Look back at May 2

We had a great time at the May market. Most people who came ran into unexpected friends, some they hadn't seen in years. Some they hadn't seen since the last market.

We had a lot of our regulars, dedicated to coming every market, but we also had many people who were checking it out for their first time.

You can find all the photos from the event, along with contact info for vendors, on our Facebook page.

If you didn't come to the May market, let us know why! We'd love to change things up to bring you down to the next one, June 6.

May 2 market

One thing that's really fun about the market is seeing it change month-to-month. Sure, there's a solid community of vendors who tirelessly come to each and every market, but there's also those who pop in every few months. We also have new vendors joining us all the time.

Mystic Earth Magick is at pretty much every market. Kathy brings her daughter along and they sell her beautiful jewellery. She's always a hit at the markets.

Sew Dandee/Dandee Eats has some trouble making it to the market due to work conflicts, but she still puts in the effort to grace us with her yummy vegan treats every few months. We're pretty excited she's here May 2!

And for the new vendors we're quite excited this month. Good Intentions Baking Co. is bringing along baking. While we didn't get to taste test, looking at the photos sent in we can guarantee it's going to be delicious. We have a lot of jewelery vendors, but none like Meld Art. We're quite excited to be welcoming this glass artists to the market. Au Set Bellydance is something quite unlike what we've had before as well. Come learn about bellydancing classes and pick up a gorgeous hip scarf.

May 2 is looking to be quite an exciting market. Drop by for some snacks, listen to great local music and visit all our amazing vendors. You can find a full list of vendors with more photos and links to their websites on our Facebook page.

Local art

Art by Iloveewe

Artwork can add a lot to a space. It can change the mood of a room, add some flavour, and makes a great conversation piece when friends and family stop by.

The best art to show off is well-done but not well-known.

At the Makers & Market you’ll find unique pieces of art at an affordable price.

Sometimes Artemisia Herbal brings in her dark paintings. 

Tiny Bee (formerly) Iloveewe has gorgeous prints.

True Roots Designs brings pieces of stained wood with words and sayings on them.

Big Lil' Fig Design has the cutest framed drawings.

Art by Big Lil' Fig Designs

When you buy art straight from the artist, it also makes that piece more meaningful. You know who your money is going to support. When you look at that piece on the wall you can recall the exchange you had with them. If you decide you want more, you know you can find the artist again. Or even ask them personally to do something special for you.

Brittany of Artemisia Herbal is a little reserved, but if you're nice you'll see the vegan's big heart and kind smile.

Laura was shy about selling her pieces at first and your purchase from Tiny Bee will encourage her. 

True Roots' Nicole and Marco are the sweetest couple you'll ever meet. 

Malann's smile is so welcoming and warm you'll feel like you're visiting an old friend when you stop by her table.

Each market brings new vendors, so there’s no telling what locally created art you’ll find and what amazing artists you'll meet.

The next market is May 2.

Comedians at the market

At local markets like the Makers & Market, you can support local vintage sellers, artisans, bakers, cooks and musicians. But what about comedians?

You can find William and Bart of Yak and Shadow with their books of jokes at most of the Makers & Markets.

William, of Week Thus Far, is happy to write you a joke on the spot if you buy a poster. He might even do it if you guy a Justin Bieber figure.

Bart would be quite happy if you asked for an original drawing of the Pope. Preferably fighting something.

The guys are fun to chat with and always make the market a little more lively. And since William helps out so much with the sound, we have him to thank for everyone being able to hear the musicians!

The market is full of some surprising and interesting people. Come down on May 2 for a couple jokes and see who else you can meet.