Monday, September 27, 2010
Vanessa Rose – 917.680.6195

The Salt City Urban & Craft Market is returning for a second year on Saturday, October 23rd from 10am to 6pm. The event welcomes a diverse group of local artists and designers who will be showcasing and selling their work in the Case Supply building in the Near Westside neighborhood of Syracuse. Last year’s event saw over 800 visitors and in this second year, market organizers will expand the market’s offerings to create an even bigger and better event for small independent businesses and the Central New York community.

The market will once again be housed in the Case Supply building located at 112 Wyoming St. between W. Fayette and Marcellus St. Off-street parking is available on site and Connective Corridor buses will be running from the University area down to the event location.

The mission of this independent market is to provide a platform for funky, alternative and contemporary handmade artworks. Past market vendors have included handcrafted stationery designers, green clothing designers, mineral make-up cosmetologists, soap manufacturers, illustrators, and ceramic artists, among many others. The market this October will also showcase local music and food vendors including Strong Hearts Cafe, Recess Coffee and Roastery, and Roji Tea Lounge.

“The Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market has quickly become one of the best arts events of the year in Syracuse.” says Maarten Jacobs, director of the Near Westside Initiative, the nonprofit group helping revitalize the SALT District. “It is one of the rare occasions when Syracuse’s professional and occasional artists come together to show and sell their goods. There is something for everyone there. That is why it’s been so successful.”

When selecting vendors, the Market’s selection committee continued to look for unique and creative artists from the CNY region that create well-designed products inspired by contemporary trends. Other factors valued by the market’s organizers were the eco-conscious use of materials, innovative packaging and original business branding.
The urban market is the brainchild of local residents Briana Kohlbrenner and Vanessa Rose. Having seen a trend in alternative market places in other cities, Kohlbrenner and Rose teamed up to begin networking with local artists, designers and crafters, leading to the launch of the first market. Kohlbrenner states, “We were inspired to create an alternative shopping experience that redefined art & craft with a twist of the unexpected.” This year, they have two new local collaborators: Courtney Rile and Stasya Panova.

For more information about this year’s market, including a full list of participating vendors, please visit http://www.saltcitycraftmart.com.