EASTHAMPTON — During Art Walk Easthampton on Saturday, Dec. 7 over 40 artists will be showing and selling one-of-a-kind gifts and special somethings at Old Town Hall through CitySpace’s Pop-up Market and Big Red Frame’s Art is a Gift in the ECA Gallery.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to explore all kinds of unique items such as clothing, cards, prints, paintings, pottery, photography, books and more unique artist-made items throughout the region at 43 Main St. Entry is free and all are welcome.
From 2-7 p.m. CitySpace’s Pop-Up Market will feature vendors from Springfield to Easthampton to Greenfield. Some artists featured include The Art of Christina Gusek, Mantis Graphics, Siggie Zampa by Malinda Labriola, Rachel Federico Art, It Makes Scents, butchknits, Things You Don’t Need, Considine Designs, Gary Metras Poet and Publisher, brilliant trades, BurnsMax, Southampton Arts by Marcia, Made by Sabrina March and Meat for Tea.
CitySpace Pop-Up Markets are an opportunity for Western Mass. makers to sell their work and connect with local communities with their uniquely made items. Beginning in 2022, the pop-up market through CitySpace was done as a way to bring life to the first floor of Old Town Hall and support local makers from the region.
“We wanted to create an accessible and affordable — it’s free — platform where artists could connect with shoppers, showcase their work and foster meaningful connections within the community,” CitySpace President Burns Maxey said. “This market truly has something for everyone. In a world where many of us already have so much, it’s hard to find that perfect, meaningful gift for the special people in our lives. That’s where our local makers shine.”
Maxey said some offerings from these local makers include unique, handcrafted items like ceramics, books, prints, clothing, jewelry, home goods and much more.
“This Pop-Up Market is more than just shopping, it’s a chance to connect with the artists behind the work, hear their stories and support the creativity that makes our community so vibrant. It’s the perfect way to find one-of-a-kind gifts while celebrating the local talent that makes the valley special – just in time for the holidays,” Maxey added.
The pop-up market also coincides with the Big Red Frame’s 11th annual Art is A Gift showcase of over 25 artists works in the Elusie Gallery and ECA Gallery. The showcase opens the same day but will last through Dec. 28.
“The idea behind Art is a Gift is to provide holiday shoppers a destination where they could find all sorts of crafts and artwork at one location, and not just for a weekend but for several weeks,” said Big Red Frame Owner Jean-Pierre Pasche. “And to provide art markers, many of them working from home and not having many opportunities to sell their wares, with a market opportunity where they could just set up and then leave the selling part to us.”
Maxey added the pop-up market is an extension of the vibrant events and exhibitions happening in the Elusie Gallery and Easthampton City Arts Gallery, making Old Town Hall a true hub for creativity and culture in Easthampton.
“The idea joins the circle,” Maxey explained. “By choosing to shop at local markets, we’re investing in our neighbors, strengthening local businesses and building a more resilient community,” Maxey said.
Also ongoing during the day will be a variety of makers markets throughout the city including at CitySpace, Elusie Gallery, ECA Gallery, One Cottage Street Open Studios, Yet Another Queer Market at 50 Arrow Gallery in Eastworks and Darlings Café and Bar. Maxey added that overall, she has counted over 150 artists set to sell their unique items on Dec. 7.
This year also has a unique piece to the pop-up market as Maxey, an organizer of CitySpace’s pop-ups since the beginning, is finally joining this year as a vendor herself.
“As an artist and designer, it feels great to carve out time to create and share my own work. Honestly, it’s a full-circle moment,” Maxey explained. “Years ago, I first got involved with CitySpace as an artist and now I get to stand alongside so many talented makers in our community.”
Easthampton City Arts Art Walk has been a beloved tradition for over 15 years in the city offering a free and fun opportunity for people to experience art and connect within the community.
“It’s a cornerstone of Easthampton rejuvenation — bringing together residents, visitors and newcomers to enjoy downtown, discover local talent and build connections,” Maxey said. “Especially now, we need events like this that bring people together and remind us of the power of creativity and community.”
