ArtsUnion MarketPlace 2009

ArtsUnion will continue to bring you large thematic markets this year. Similar to our Producer event series, we work with marketplace curators to produce signature markets to take place on the plaza in Union Square. This model enables us to reach out to individuals and groups to help them produce markets that will better serve the market vendors and local community.

— 2009 ArtsUnion Season —

Saturday, June 27, 3-7pm (Raindate: June 28)
Sew What?!?
A Fashion, Art and Shopping Event Featuring a Swap-O-Rama-Rama

The SAC's ArtsUnion project kicks off its 2009 season with SEW WHAT?!, a gathering of artists selling and creating hand-sewn arts and featuring a SWAP-O-RAMA-RAMA, a community clothing swap (www.swaporamarama.org). Curated by Suzanne Piubeni (www.fusionethosfashions.com), the marketplace will include hand-made jewelry, accessories, clothing and home goods. Designers and vendors include: PaperWorks, JOJO, Mass.production and Esoterica.

The Swap-o-rama-rama is a community clothing swap and do-it-yourself workshop in which attendees explore creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing. After diving in to the collective pile ofunwanted clothing, sewing machines provided by Somerville Sewing and Vacuum Center will be on-site for the modification process to begin. Designers will also be available to share their sewing and customizing secrets and assist with the sewing machines!

If you're inspired to customize some clothing at the event, consider making an outfit for the "Somerville...of the Future!" Parade at ArtBeat (July 18th, 2pm, all welcome to participate).

Saturday, July 11, 3-7pm (Raindate: Sunday, July 12)
Boston Handmade Marketplace

This outdoor market features work by Massachusetts artists and craftspeople associated with Boston Handmade (www.bostonhandmade.org) and Etsy.com (www.etsy.com). Curated by Jessica Burko and Boston Handmade, the fair promotes local, independent businesses producing handmade works in small studio environments, not factories. More than 25 artists and craftspeople will be on hand, along with live music by The Grownup Noise; craft demonstrations by The Eliot School and The Common Cod Fiber Guild; and a demonstration by local martial artists from the Shobu Akido.

Saturday, August 1, 3-7pm (Raindate: Sunday, August 2)
Somerville Rock & Roll Yard Sale

Chris and Jennifer Daltry of What Cheer Antiques + Vintage (Providence, RI) curate the widely popular Rock & Roll Yard Sale featuring sellers of the bizarre and exotic from across New England (www.myspace.com/providencerockandrollyardsale). Union Square will transform into a flea market of treasures including vinyl records and music memorabilia, vintage eyewear and apparel, homemade crafts, and vegan cupcakes. The event also features local bands playing live music & DJs spinning vintage vinyl.

Saturday, September 19, 3-7pm (Raindate: Sunday, September 20)
Urban Country Fair 2009

All things “country” collide with urban space when the Urban Country Fair 2009 hits Union Square and revives the ‘ole time country fair with exhibitors, arts and crafts vendors, Boston SkillShare workshops, and countrified music and dancing. The spirit of community, sharing with neighbors, and showing off homemade creations will be alive and well at this festive market produced by Aliza Shapiro of Truth Serum (www.truthserum.org).

Craft Market 2005           Craft Markets 2006          MarketPlace 07          MarketPlace 08