Artists and designers will fill two floors of SKY Armory (351 S. Clinton St) for the sixth annual Salt Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include everything from silk-screened tea towels and fairy tale-inspired prints to dewdrop leaf pendants and chai tea lip balm.
Vanessa, Rose, co-founder of the Market, said that it will host 56 vendors, the highest amount of crafters yet, bringing mix of newcomers and returning artists. They expect around 3,000 attendees this year.
Since it began six years ago, Rose and the organizers have concentrated on growing the Salt Market, attracting artists not only from Syracuse, but also in other areas of New York and Pennsylvania. They will welcome 16 new vendors this year, such as Rochester-based textile artist, Pidge Pidge, and Oswego-based jewelry maker, Round Rabbit.
Rose created the Salt Market with her best friend, Briana Kholbrenner. After living in New York City for a long time, they decided that they wanted to bring a piece of the city to Salt City. “We wanted to fill a gap we thought existed in the Syracuse community and provide a space for edgier artists to showcase their work,” said Rose.
Nicole Samolis, president of SKY Armory, also expressed excitement for the Salt Market. “It’s a community-focused event that features creative expression and brings something different to Syracuse,” she said. “It reinforces our commitment to local efforts and other small businesses, and it gives us a chance to showcase SKY for the public in a really fun way.”
The Salt Market is also giving attendees a reason to get there early. The first 50 people will receive a hand-screenprinted tote bag designed by local artist Cayetano Valenzuela of the Black Rabbit Studio, who also designed the cover for the Syracuse New Times 2014 Best of Syracuse issue. Local musicians, The Witching Hour, Papership and John McConnell, will perform as well. Recess Coffee and LOFO will provide refreshments. There will be a $2 admission at the door.
Rose said that her team hopes that the Salt Market will continue to expand. She also believes the Salt Market serves as an example of the increasing vibrancy of the arts in Syracuse. “We’re hoping for a bigger reach, and we hope that more people will find out about it,” said Rose. “We want to continue to add to this recent revitalization of downtown. It’s an attraction for people who love living in the city.”
Just the Facts:
6th Annual SALT Market
Saturday October 18
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SKY Armory (351 S. Clinton Street)
