Maker Spotlight: Home Goods at the Mill City Farmers Market 

Wood crates by WAAM Industries (image courtesy WAAM Industries)

Twin Cities farmer’s markets are becoming a shopping destination for more handmade goods by local makers. In recent years, these markets have expanded beyond produce to become a destination for shopping for modern, handcrafted home goods and gifts. Alongside homegrown fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and florals are ceramics, leather goods, stationery, candles, wood furniture and accessories, and handwoven baskets, rugs, runners, pillows, and tapestries.

When it comes to shopping for home goods, the biggest and best of the markets is the Mill City Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Saturday through October to the area between the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater. Each week features more than 60 organic and sustainable food vendors selling meats, produce, and other grocery goods, plus a rotating lineup of makers. Each week it features a different theme—this Saturday’s event celebrates wellness with free outdoor yoga, cooking demos, kids activities, live music, and prepared breakfast and lunch items, plus a mini farm from the Oliver H. Kelley Farm featuring heritage-variety sheep and hens. Located in the train shed near the entrance to the Mill City Museum, the market features a rotating lineup of makers each week.

New to the market this year are Jeanne Beatrice‘s woven totes and baskets; Wild Birds Flying‘s photographic bird prints, pillows, and scarves; npwoodworks‘s hand-carved wooden spoons, vessels, and furniture; quirky and colorful ceramics and pottery by Ben Fiess; functional ceramic designs that take inspiration from ancient rituals by Brittany Trushin; and product design brand WAAM Industries, known for their paper bag-inspired canvas totes and wood milk crates.

Returning artists include Adam Gruetzmacher, who specializes in functional stoneware that references mid-century modern design and the industrial revolution for his sculptural, minimalist designs; Christy Wetzig, whose porcelain designs reference natural elements and feature organic shapes;  Fringe & Fettle Ceramics, which features soft curves and romantic designs; and Matthew Krousey, who creates functional stoneware and porcelain pottery. Featured woodworkers include Oh Dier (wood signs and home goods); Willful (wood bowls and utensils, hand-dyed textiles, and wool rugs), Stirsby (wooden cooking utensils), Crookedwood (wooden cooking utensils), and Old World Cabinet (modern furniture). Other returning favorites include Ink Orchard (surface design and fine art), ArtAndes (Peruvian woven rugs and fine textiles), Indigo & Snow (shibori-dyed clothing, scarves, and tea towels), and House of Talents (artisan-made woven baskets). Check millcityfarmersmarket.org for dates for specific artists. Every Saturday, May through October, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ 704 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org  Brittany Tushin  Adam GruetzmacherCrookedwoodFringe & Fettle CeramicsArtAndesChristy WetzigHouse of Talents

Old World CabinetsBen Fiess

by Jahna Peloquin

Personal Designer

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