Crunch Time!

Guess what day it is! Well, yes, it is tax day, (grumble, grumble) but it's also the deadline for vendor checks. My thanks goes out to all of you who sent in your money already. You guys are now officially enrolled! Woo to the hoo!

If you have not gotten a chance to send in your check and still want to participate in this season's market, please let me know. If you need to schedule a later payment, or break up the payments that can be arranged--no problem.

And, as always, please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. My studio's always open.

April is Apon Us!

A shout out to all of the artists who have sent in their checks. I am sending you a big, virtual hug! You have all been added to the Vendor list on the blog and are now officially enrolled in this year's funnest (is that a word?) market--That would be the Ballston one!

Keep those checks rollin' in!

Congrats are in Order!

Acceptance letters have gone out and I would like to be the first one to congratulate all of you artists out there who will be joining us for the 2009 Ballston Arts & Crafts Market!

This year, we have both returning vendors (welcome back, veterans!) and new vendors (watch out for the freshmen wedgies!) who will showcase their lotions, handbags, sculptures, puppets, paper arts, children's fashions, screenprinted tees (what up, Kristina!), crochet, photography, decoupage, plushes, jewelry and ... have I forgotten anything?

Dudes, I'm so stoked!

Head's Up!

Hey guys!

What a month! And the submissions keep pouring in! But I have good news ... Keep an eye on your inbox March 23rd, cuz that's when I'll be sending out our acceptance letters!

Just wanted to give ya'll a head'a up!

Happy crafting!

Market Update!

Hey artsy artists & crafty crafters!

Thanks again for all your awesome submissions. We received over 65 applications, so far!

I just wanted to give you a quick update on the status of the Market. The jury met last Monday and we were amazed with all of the talent we have the opportunity to show. Get ready for funky jewelry, adorable plushes and toys, creative paintings, rustic and modern ceramics, colorful bags and so much more! Me, personally--I can't wait. I hope you guys are excited, too.

I will contact everyone in the beginning of April. Until then, keep crafting!

Jess

Studio Space in Kensington!

Hey crafters!

A little (blue) birdie told me about studio space that just opened up in Kensington, MD, so I thought I'd pass the info onto you!

"We’re looking to share our studio space with other artists or creative professionals. We have up to 2,000 square feet available in our safe, climate controlled studio in Kensington, MD. Our great location on Antique Row gives you easy access to the Beltway and provides great proximity to other artists.

Space is available now at $1.25 per square foot- an unbeatable price in our area! Contact us today at info@oneillstudios.com or via phone at (301) 530-9030."

Go for it!

Deadline Time!

Well, it's March 2nd. You know what that means, right? Yep. It's the application deadline for the 2009 season of the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. Please get your apps in by 5:00 this evening in order for jurying! Just send 'em to: ballstonvasquare@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who has already handed in their applications. I can't believe how many unbelievably talented vendors we are going to have this year! This is going to be the best season yet!

The Ballston Bluebird--Just Call Me BB

Hey guys!

Meet the Ballston Bluebird! We just hired him as the new face and voice (tweet?) of The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market! Isn't he handsome? Feel free to tell him so. He feeds off compliments and left over bread crumbs in Welburn Sqaure.

BB even set up a new account on Facebook so he can meet all of you awesome artists, musicians, and Market-goers. He loves new friends, so drop him a line!

Studio Space in Clarendon!

Hey arteests!

So, I just got word that there is artist studio space available in Clarendon! The address is 2420 Wilson Blvd. (The Loflin Building).


Available February1, this 1500sf space includes 3 parking spaces, too. Okay, okay, it's $3750 a month, BUT if you know a bunch of artists who need studio space, you guys can split the rent!


Contact Ken Matzkin at Buck & Associates at (703) 528-2299 ext. 18.

And It Begins ...

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the 2009 application is completed! Wahoo! If you did not receive your application by email and would like to, please let me know. My email is ballstonvasquare@gmail.com.

Otherwise, it should be up on the main page shortly.

We can't wait to review your applications and see all of your new designs for 2009! Are you as psyched as I am??

Jess

Application Update

Hey guys!

I hope your Holidays were wonderful and you are enjoying the New Year. For all those who have inquired about the 2009 application, we are in the tweaking process—you know, double-checking dates, practicing our anti-rain dances, etc.

It should be ready very soon—hopefully by the end of the week.

Jess

Allow Me to Introduce Myself ...

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jessica Blaszczak, and I am the new manager for the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. I can’t express how excited I am to get things rolling this year.

To the existing vendors, I'm psyched to personally meet each and every one of you. Just like Kristina, I will available by email and I will be there every market day to assist you in any way I can. And to the potential vendors, please don’t be shy. Send us your applications! We are always looking for awesome new artists.

I only hope I can live up to Kristina’s great work and dedication, as I plan to make the Ballston Arts & Craft Market more successful (and fun!) with each coming year.

Feel free to email me with questions, concerns, applications or just to talk crafts!

Oh, and here is a preview of the dates for our upcoming markets. Mark your calendars!

May 9
June 13
July 11
August 8
September 12
October 10

Cheers!
Jessica Blaszczak

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market in the press::

It's been a great summer season, and it looks like some other people agree ;)
Here's a roundup of Ballston A&C Market press and blog mentions. Don't forget, the last market of this season is coming up on Sat. 10/11. Last chance to stock up on all of of our awesome gear by local artists!

press mentions:
Baltimore Sun
Sun Gazette
Washington Post: City Guide
Virginia Tourism

If I missed any, hit me up in the comments section. Hope to see you at the market this Sat!

Next Market: Saturday September 13th- Back to Cool edition!

Vacation is over and we're all getting back to the books or our jobs, and getting ready for Fall. Our next market is a sure way to squeeze in one last summery hurrah, and stock up on some not-so-boring supplies for your academic and non-academic needs ;)

Here are some 'Back to Cool' supplies you can find at this month's market

Didn't get the window office? Fake it with a beautiful nature photograph by Allen Pearson:


Brush up on your (fashion) history with these hairpins made from vintage jewelry findings by Historically Inspired Designs:


Don't forget your lunch! We hear sushi is a big hit with the kids these days...now bring that sushi feeling with you around all day with Indeible Jewelry's new sushi charms:

And if you work someplace that requires you to flash a badge, check out the stylish badge holders made by Jillory:

Let's face it: we don't need a 'back to school' excuse to shop local, handmade items that are awesome! For a full list of vendors this month, check out the list of vendors to the right.

And this month's musical guests are: Dan Cunningham & Billy Barr playing a set of classic favorites between 11am-1pm, and Arlington natives, the Constituents between 2-4pm.

Grab lunch at a nearby outdoor cafe and enjoy the free concert.

See you there!

Next Market- Saturday, August 9th! 10am-4pm

This month's show is yet another 'goodie'. With 35 artist/designer vendors and live music all day, if you haven't made it out to the market yet, this is a good one to come and check out!

It's hot outside (dog days of August!) so you may as well step out into the heat, eat some ice cream, and enjoy great music and food while shopping from the vendors on the square.

Items you can find at this month's market include:

decoupaged boxes by Boxboy

unique charm jewelry by Finders Keeper

recycled leather cuffs for men and women by Fisticuffs

bags by Jenafusion

pottery by Nancy Sween

See a full list of vendors to the right. We'll also have a craft activity where for $3 kids and adults alike can try their hand at making a beaded bracelet and wear it home!

And as usual, we will have a fabulous music lineup. This month's music features local musician Dan Cunningham, and an Arlington Legend Speedy Tolliver (and his band). Dan is a favorite at our Friday farmers market (also in the square). And Speedy Tolliver is a local legend who's been mastering the art of the banjo and fiddle since the late 20s!

(Speedy then and now)

See you Saturday!