Support local at the Speakeasy Pop-Up Holiday Market

December 11-17, 2017

By Becca Bona

 

For a small city, Little Rock is brimming with artists and makers, as well numerous events that have that cooler, “big city” vibe. You only have to know where to look, and in this case, the password to get through the door.

 

Visit the Speakeasy Pop-Up Holiday Market and you’re guaranteed a cocktail, the chance to try your hand at screen printing, and over 15 local makers and brands to chose from for all those hard-to-shop people on your list.

 

Enjoy music from the industrial warehouse setting on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. at 2615 West 15th Street – that is – as long as you know the password (Butterball).

 

The first inaugural Pop-Up Market occurred in September of this past year and did extremely well for a non-holiday shopping event showcasing local vendors. This time around the organizers are expecting the turnout to be bigger and better, and have pledged 10 percent of the proceeds to Lucie’s Place, a local shelter for homeless LGBTQ young adults.

 

Justin Sharp, owner of AR-T’s, a local screen printing company focused on creating witty Arkansas-based shirts, organized the first market and was surprised by the immediate feedback.

 

“The response was overwhelmingly positive and the energy during the event was even better,” he says. “It was so fun and low-key. News spread […] and my friends who sold at the last one wanted to do another one, so I decided to have one during the holidays right before Christmas for some last minute gift ideas.”

 

The first market boasted of six vendors, but this go-round there will be 16, including a brand representative out of LA – Chaser.

 

The speakeasy angle came to Sharp after visiting one in Jackson, Miss., while attending a wedding. His studio is located in an industrial warehouse with an underground-art-scene-aesthetic, perfect for this type of event. Plus, the idea of showcasing local creatives matches Laura Kahler’s way of thinking.  

 

Owner of Moxy Mercantile on South Main Street, Kahler also owns the warehouse on 15th Street, and was impressed with the last event Sharp organized.

 

“She definitely loves to see the warehouse being utilized. She hopes to have many spaces in the warehouse full of makers like myself one day,” Sharp continues.

 

The vendor list spans multiple mediums and in addition to artworks, jewelry, and leatherworks, there will also be apparel as well as other vintage items.

 

Alex Flanders of Crying Weasel Vintage, a veteran vendor of the speakeasy market, says, “This will be a great opportunity for local artists and vendors to get their names out and wares (also, wears) shown to people who may not be able to shop with them usually.”

 

Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty, a cheeky jewelry brand home to Central Arkansas, seconds that sentiment.

 

“I’m planning on getting all of my holiday shopping done at the Speakeasy. There is such a big group of artists offering so many different things, from wallets to shirts to affordable and original art to handmade jewelry, like I make,” she says.

 

The event offers that unmatched aesthetic you can’t quite find anywhere else in the Rock, as Bowers continues, “[T]he vibe of this event is so unique. It’s in this cool, historic warehouse with a really industrial feel, yet it’s so comfortable. It’s not like a massive shopping event under fluorescent lights with a mad rush around you. You can hang out all night and enjoy yourself.”

 

For a complete list of vendors and other developing information, check out the event page “Speakeasy Holiday Pop-Up Market” on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/ 362542500862973/.

 

Photos courtesy of Speakeasy Pop-Up Holiday Market