Temperatures may continue to dip. But spring has irrevocably arrived, along with one of our most looked-forward-to heralds of lush growth, fresh produce and blooming flora: farmers markets. One of our favorites, the Mill City Farmers Market next to the Guthrie Theater along the Mississippi River, is not only serenely picturesque—with its riverfront setting and vendors clustered beneath and within the iconic historic mill structures; but also because the market also includes a number of vendors who are local makers of home goods.
This year, Scott McGlasson and woodsport return. On select weekends, this Twin Cities-based, nationally known furniture designer—whose beautifully rendered woodworks have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington D.C.—packs up his pick-up with gorgeous, minimalist stools, tables and accessories for our enjoyment, perusal and purchase. ArtAndes , a Minneapolis textile-design business with roots in Peru, is also back with a new selection of rugs, runners, pillow and tapestries designed and fabricated via fair-trade practices.
Ceramicists and potters participating in the Mill City market this year include Adam Gruetzmacher, who specializes in functional stoneware; Anna Metcalfe, whose work is inspired by environmental, food and community concerns (including bees, water and agriculture); Christy Wetzig, who creates functional vessels from porcelain to enrich our everyday living experience; and Joanna Buyert, who through her Fringe and Fettle Ceramics gently plays with pattern and curve to create romantic works beautiful to use and hold.
Forget your shopping bag? New this year is Billboard Bags. Made from 90-percent post-consumer waste, these large, waterproof utility bags constructed from billboards (which would otherwise end up in landfills) are sturdily hand-sewn. Available in a variety of sizes and for myriad purposes (from messenger bags to tote bags to lunch bags), they’re another great re-use innovation from a Twin Cities maker.
By Camille LeFevre