By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(May 10, 2018) The outdoor arts and artisan Maker’s Market, which has been run in conjunction with monthly 2nd Friday art strolls, will return this Friday to downtown Berlin.

“After trying several different tactics of getting artisans involved in the 2nd Friday art strolls, the town gave us permission three years ago to give Makers Market a trial run June through August,” Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee Chairwoman Heather Layton said. “The consensus was that it was successful.”

This year, the market is scheduled May through October on the corner of Jefferson and Main street from 5-8:30 p.m., and on Commerce Street from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Two indoor Holiday Makers Markets are planned on Saturdays in November and December.

Originated by Layton, the event will now be supervised by Kerri Swigert and Amanda Hanke.

“This season we are hoping for a wide variety of makers and handmade items,” Swigert said. “This month we will have items such as handmade signs, nautical/coastal home decor, jewelry, essential oils, paintings, books, garden decorations, and cross-stitched/hand embroidered items.”

In addition to the vendors, Steve and Friends will perform live music each 2nd Friday on the corner of Main and Commerce streets, and a free Kid’s Zone tent offers activities for children on the corner of Main and Jefferson.

Swigert said additional artisan vendors could sign up using an online form at www.artsinberlin.org/makers-market. The cost is $5 per event or $25 for the season.

“We’d love for people to see the importance of shopping local and supporting local makers,” Swigert said. “These makers pour their heart and soul into their work, and most makers have personal attachments to specific pieces or to their art in general. There’s something really special about buying a handmade item directly from the maker and getting that story along with the piece. You can’t get that from a store-bought item.”

Layton, who will continue to participate as a vendor, said she had no doubt the market would continue to expand.

“Kerri has incredible attention to detail and I know that she and Amanda are going to be great,” she said. “I’m hoping that as the Makers Market continues to grow, more shops in town will decide to stay open during the stroll as well.”

For more information, visit www.artsinberlin.org.