Next Market this Saturday 7/12! Rock-N-Romp! Bring the kids!

This month's market is not to be missed! We'll have all of our favorite vendors set up selling their amazing handmade wares.

On Saturday, we see the return of Rock-N-Romp, a kid friendly concert series. Crank up the bubble machines, because this month's lineup features the acclaimed DC and Virginia groups: Bellman Barker and Tereu Tereu!

We'll also have face-painting and a kids craft activity (you don't need to be a kid to partake)

Other nearby attractions include the Ellipse Arts Center (last day to see Thread as the Line) and the Arlington Arts Center with their acclaimed show, She's So Articulate.

A great day to come out to Arlington and see a lot of great art, crafts and picnic while listening to live music. Below are some pictures from the last market, and for a full preview of what cool gear is in store for this month, check out the vendor list to the right (only the finest of the area's indie designers!)

See you Saturday!

Next Market: Sat. June 14th 10am-4pm : Great Fathers Day Finds!

Don't forget! Fathers day is Sunday, the 15th, and the market is a great place to find a gift.

Here are some ideas, a don't feel guilty if you also get yourself a little somethin' somethin'!

Fathers day gift finds include: framed photos by Allen Pearson or Johhn Macready, recycled leather men's bracelets by Fisticuffs, Steak-on-a-plate cuff links by Indedible Jewelry, cool tree trunk mugs by mad hatter ceramics, and natural hand-crafted soap in cool cucumber by Penelope Spa.

Besides cool gifts, you'll also find awesome handmade designs for your home, your pets and your wardrobe! For a list of all of the June Vendors, check out the list to the right -->

This month, we are also pleased to continue our free concert series between the hours of noon and 2pm. On June 14th, we present you with David LaFleur, a local acoustic roots musician(http://www.davidlafleurmusic.com/).

Don't miss it!

May Market a Huge Sucess!

Despite the crazy weather, our opening day was amazing! The rain stopped just in time for our vendors to set up, and the sun came out in the afternoon for our awesome Rock-n-Romp concert series! Thanks to everyone who came out. We hope to see you at the next market on June 14th!

Here are some pictures from our big opening day:

earlybird shoppers brave the chilly/drizzly morning

local artist Steve Frost visited the market to pick up some cool gear

a crowd gathers to hear the bands

hooray for the bubble machine!!

J & J cornhole boards set up on the sidewalk for people to play

Rock-n-Romp!

new to the market this year: Bette's Bags!

lovely facepainting was provided at the Rock-n-Romp booth :)

Exit Clov closed out the show with an awesome performance.

See you all again on June 14th!

Awesome Music Lineup!

This year, we have a great schedule of bands lined up to play at our events (see the music lineup under the vendor links to the right). For our big May 'kickoff' market on May 10th, we're thrilled to be working with Rock-n-Romp !!

Rock-n-Romp is a local concert series that invites local rock bands to put on kid-friendly concerts. In her own words Rock-n-Romp organizer, Debbie describes the shows as:

...a family friendly concert series that showcases fantastic local musicians and bands. Shows are held during the day in a relaxed, kid-safe environment, and while the volume is lower than a typical concert, the music still ROCKS. You may hear a kiddie song every once in a while, but these shows are about the kind of music you listened to BEFORE YOU HAD KIDS.

fun!!!

Our featured Musicians on opening day (5/10) are Carol Bui, Gist and Exit Clov!! We are extatic.
Come out and see the free show between noon and 4pm, while checking out all of our awesome vendors on the square (Market hours are 10am-4pm)
See you there!

(poster design by the famous/infamous Ben Claassen III)

Two weeks to go before opening day!

Well, two and a half, but you get the point! Below is a press release for our opening day market which takes place as part of Arlington's Neighborhood Day Festivities!:

The 2008 season of the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Kicks Off! Saturday, May 10th, 10am - 4pm
part of Arlington's Neighborhood Day Festivities

The Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership is pleased to present the Opening Day of the 2008 Ballston Arts + Crafts Market on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 10am-4pm. Sponsored by the Ballston- Virginia Square Partnership, The Ballston Arts + Crafts Market runs Second Saturdays from May to October in Welburn Square, at N. Fairfax and Stuart Street, across from the Ballston Metro station. It is conveniently located near the Ballston Common Mall, the Ellipse Arts Center, and a wide array of restaurants, cafés and shops. Visitors coming from DC can ride metro to Ballston (orange) or take the 38B bus from Farragut Square.

Now in its fifth year, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is pleased to present visitors with the best of the best of the area's local artists, artisans and independent designers. It is truly a unique shopping experience where you can peruse an array of handmade items sold by the artists who make them. Artists are selected by a jury from a large pool of submissions to ensure a quality market with items for men, women, adults and kids alike! Items you will find at the market on May 10th include silkscreened men's and women's tees by Fresh Produce, artisan jewelry from vendors like Dandelion Bleu and Inedible Jewelry, recycled glass bottle cheeseboards by Mary Ellen Larkins, handmade soaps by Penelope Spa, and your very own backyard cornhole set by J & J Cornhole Boards! For a full list of market vendors, check out the vendor list on the right ->

This year we are pleased to continue our free concert series between the hours of noon and 4pm. On May 10th, we present you with Rock-n-Romp!! A family friendly rock concert featuring local indie rock bands playing music that is both kid and adult friendly! This Month's headliner is a DC favorite, Exit Clov (http://www.exitclov.com/) During the show, kids can also visit the Rock-n-Romp booth to get their face painted or a temporary tattoo!

The market's opening day also coincides with Arlington County's Neighborhood Day which is a day devoted to what each neighborhood in Arlington has to offer. So, if you're a Ballston resident, take the time to check out what's going on where you live! Shop the cool handmade items (don't forget Mother's Day!), listen to some great music, and pick up a picnic lunch from any of the nearby cafe's and restaurants.

Hope to see you there!

Crafty Resource: the Crafty Bastards Blog!

Hey, all you crafters and craft-aficionados!

You may or may not know that the organizers of the Citypaper's famous (or infamous!) Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair have a blog that is updated regularly with stories about local craft events, the business of crafting, craft ideas, show opportunities and more!

The articles are written by a rotating crew of local craft artists, and they are really fun and inspiring to read!

Recently, I've had the honor of 'guest blogging' on the site, and have posted two stories (including one about the awesome vendor lineup we have here at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market):

• KB the Car-free Crafter presents: Getting to your next craft show- without owning a car!
• In Search of: Vendors!…a guide to finding vendors for your upcoming indie craft event
  

The Crafty Bastards team has also recently posted information on how to apply to their upcoming fairs. Yes, I said 'fairs' plural-- this year the Citypaper will be holding TWO major craft events this year- one in June, and another one in September. More opportunities for area crafters! All of the information for applying to the shows can be found on the the Crafty Bastards Main Page.

Hooray for the DC-Metropolitan Area craft community! Be sure to check into the Crafty Blog often for cool crafty-news stories!!

Drumroll, Please...2008 Market Vendors!

It was a rigorous process, but we've made our vendor selections for this year's Arts & Crafts market!

Here's a sneak peek at the artists and designers we'll be featuring this year. (note: Now might be a good time to ask for that raise at work...there is so much great stuff!)

For a complete list of vendors check the 2008 vendor list to the right, and get ready for opening day on Saturday, May 10th 10am-4pm!!

vendor preview ::

dandelion blu

carol holmes

inedible jewelry

jules' jewels

fresh produce threads

magpie dc

acolloquist

madd hatter ceramics

this chickadee

AH Jewelry

Stitchberry

nancy sween pottery

i like seamonsters

bette's bags

Entries Are In!

The submissions for this year's market are in and we're getting ready to select this season's lineup of market vendors.

Submissions have come from near and far- We've received applications from a lot of Arlington and DC Metro area artists, as well as submissions from as far as Richmond, West Virginia, New Jersey and North Carolina! We're sure to have a fun, eclectic mix at every show with something for everyone.

Stay tuned to the blog in early April for the list of this year's artists.

*and if you've missed this year's deadline, you can still send applications to be considered on a space-available basis (jewelry is closed)

Citypaper Blog Post ::

Our friend Tina the Seamonster recently wrote about the Ballston A&C Market on the Citypaper's Crafty blog 'Cut the Craft'.

Read it here

And keep those applications coming in! The deadline is approaching- March 3rd.
To download the application click here

If you have any questions along the way feel free to contact me at: ballstonvasquare@gmail.com or by calling 703-528-3527

Call for Artists and Crafters!

Happy New Year! Although it seems like we just wrapped up last season, the time has come to start planning the 2008 Arts & Crafts Market.

The Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership is pleased to post this call to Artists and Crafters for our 2008 Market Season which runs second Saturdays starting May 10th and running through October 11th, 2008:

To apply to sell your items at our market, please download our 2008 Arts+Crafts Market application here, and be sure to note our guidelines and eligibility before applying. There is no application fee, and applications can be sent via mail or email as outlined on the application.

This year's deadline for the first round of jurying is March 3, 2008. Applications received after 3/3 will be reviewed on a space-available basis

If you would prefer the application in Word format, would like a hard copy via regular mail, or have any questions, contact Kristina at: ballstonvasquare@gmail.com or by calling (703) 528-3527

Happy Holidays!

Seasons Greetings! We hope you have a great holiday season, and a happy new year!

Stay tuned to the blog in early January for information on the 2008 market season.

Where Are They Now: December Edition

Greetings, Arts + Crafts Lovers! Tis' the season to buy handmade! Check out these holiday events where some of our favorite vendors will be selling their wares:

This Sat Dec 1st: Sean Hennessey and Rania Hassan (Goshdarnknit) have organized a Holiday Craft show at Big Bear Cafe from 3-9pm at 1st and R St. NW. Details here

Saturday and Sunday Dec 1+2 Jill Johnson of Jillory will be at the Wakefield Park 30th Annual Holiday Arts&Crafts Show, Audrey Moore RECenter, 8100 Braddock Rd., Annandale, Va.22003 Dec.1 9 A.M. to 4P.M. and Dec. 2 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Friday, Dec 7th 12-7pm and Sat, Dec 8th 10am-5pm Mary Ellen Larkins will be selling her glasswares along with Nancy Sween pottery and 6 other fine craft vendors at the 4th annual, Holiday Art Bazaar Home Show at 317 Church Street NE, Vienna, VA. For more info call: 703-281-7847

Dec. 7-19 Boxboy, Hadmatter Art and Cherie Lester will be at the Downtown DC Holiday Market; 7th and F Streets NW, Washington DC, in front of National Portrait Museum; noon - 8 p.m. Check their web sites for their exact dates. be sure to check out this festive market! and bring our favorite artists a hot chocolate if it's brisk out ;)

Dec.8 from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Jillory will be at the Hillsboro Christmas Craft Fair, The Old School House, Hillsboro, Va. A quaint country setting in beautiful Loudoun County.

Dec. 9 from 8pm-midnight. Don't miss Rock & Shop at the Black Cat which will feature some of our favorite vendors from Craft Mutiny along with vendors selling vintage records, indie designer clothing, rock posters and more...http://www.blackcatdc.com/schedule.html

Dec 15 from 12-6pm the Craft Mutiny is hosting their 2nd Annual 'Booty Market' at the National City Christian Church located at 5 Thomas Circle in NW DC. more info here: http://www.craftmutiny.com/

whew! that should keep you on your toes for the next couple of weeks! And remember: Buying handmade gifts is the way to go this holiday season.. Support local artists! Reduce your carbon footprint! And buy your friends and family cool, unique gifts that they will be sure to treasure way more than a generic gift card (move away from the gift card rack..)

happy shopping!

Where are they now? - November edition

Now that the market season has ended, I've decided to post a monthly listing of places you can find our vendors during our off-season.

Below is a list of shows and markets that some of our regular vendors are participating in during the month of Nov. After thanksgiving I'll post the December list.. happy shopping!!

You can find Boxboy at Eastern Market on Sundays and at these shows in Nov:

Nov. 3: Dominion Hills Community Center Fall Craft Show; 6000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Nov. 17: Mount Vernon Unitarian Church Holiday Market; 1909 Windmill Lane (off Ft. Hunt Road), Alexandria, VA; 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Nov. 17: Mount Vernon Unitarian Church Holiday Market; 1909 Windmill Lane (off Ft. Hunt Road), Alexandria, VA; 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Nov. 29: Patton Boggs Holiday Bazaar; Patton Boggs LLP, 2550 M Street NW, Washington DC; 11 a.m. -2 p.m.

Two of our vendors, Cherie Lester and Chantal Lebreton of Birdtree Philosphy will be at Eastern Market on Saturdays in November.

DC Craft Mafia is hosting:
The UNusual Suspects Arts & Crafts Festival
The Anastasi Room
5020 Battery LaneBethesda, MD 20814
Saturday, November 3, 2007 12pm to 8pm
for info visit: http://www.dccraftmafia.com/events.html

Melania Ferrara of Jewelry Link will be at these shows:
The Design Center- November 8
Fairfax Holiday Show at Fairfax High School- Nov. 17 & 18
McLean Holiday Show at the McLean Community Center- Nov. 30, Dec. 1&2

Glass On The Square will be at
the Northern Virginia Christmas Market at the Dulles Expo center
November 9, 10 and 11
For info visit: http://www.emgshows.com/a_nvcm.htm

Jill Johnson of Jillory will be at these shows:

Nov. 3 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Annandale United Methodist Church Christmas Craft Fair, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Va. 22003

Nov. 10 10 A.M.to 4 P.M. Holiday Happening Craft Show, Robert Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Rd., Faairfax, Va. (formerly held at Woodson High School)

Nov.17 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. A Holiday Extravaganza Craft Show, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, Va.

Photographer Christopher Rok has an exhibition of his photography up at The Shenandoah Valley Art Center (SVAC), 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA. The show, titled Mandika's Marks on Earth is up until December 5th.

His work can also be found on a regular basis at WalkerHome, 409 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, (540) 899-3683

AND

Along with some of our other vendors, Erika of Hadmatter Art will also be at Eastern Market most Saturdays and Sundays.

She'll also be at: Bazaart, November 24, 2007, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore MD.
So if you need your fix of your favorite Ballston Arts+Crafts Market vendors, come find them at these upcoming shows!!

pictures from our October market:

Thanks to all of our awesome vendors, and those who visited our market during our 'Discover Arts: Ballston' day of festivities! It was a crisp fall day full of music, food, arts and craftiness.. here are some photos for your viewing pleasure!

a shopper picks out fun pins at Just Plain Jane's booth

Beth of Magpie DC and Tina of I Like Seamonsters offer up awesome tees, plush creatures, cute totes and more in their booth.

children dancing to the musical stylings by Dan 'the Man' Cunningham

shoppers peruse the racks at painter, Mark Cottman's booth

vendors all around the circle...
stained glass panels by Glass on the Square

the day wrapped up with a lovely concert by bluegrass band, Dead Men's Hollow

Thanks to everyone who made this year's market season a success!.. and for those of you who haven't made it out yet, get ready for May 10th, 2008- opening day for our '08 season!

ps-I'll be updating the blog throughout the winter with stories, tidbits, opportunities and more

Vendors: stay tuned to the blog after the new year for info on applying for the '08 markets

The Last Hurrah- Final Market of the Season 10/13!

Saturday, October 13th will be the final market of the 2007 season...So we decided to do it up right!! This next market will be our most fun-filled yet!

We've joined forces with nearby hot-spots, the Ellipse Arts Center and Grand Cru Wine Store and Vineria to Create an all day arts extravaganza called Discover Arts: Ballston

It's a jam-packed celebration of visual arts, arts and crafts, wine and culinary arts, all centrally located around the arts+ crafts market which will be going on from 10am-4pm. Here's the rundown:

10am-4pm: Ballston Arts + Crafts Market in Welburn Square with over 30 local artists and indie designers (see vendor list to the right), live music and swag bags for the first 100 visitors! Local musician Dan 'the man' Cunningham performs between 11:30am and 1:30pm.

12-2pm: Just Steps away, Ellipse Arts Center hosts an Artist Talk and Reception: featuring YOU ARE HERE artists Dawn Gavin, Julie Jankowski, Renee Van Der Stelt and Karey Kessler. Reception to follow with refreshments including veggies from the Ballston Farmer’s Market and sweets kindly donated by Willow Restaurant. Gallery opens at 11am and it is the last day to see You Are Here: Maps Re-Defined by Mid Atlantic Contemporary Artists. (4350 N. Fairfax Drive )


1-3pm: Across the courtyard, Grand Cru Wine Store and Vineria holds an in-store wine tasting event. Sample their finest wines and discuss wine with the experts! The café opens at 11am and features small plates to accompany their extensive menu of wines by the glass. Shop their collection in their attached wine store. (4401 Wilson Boulevard, across the courtyard from the Ellipse Arts Center)


2-4pm: Local Bluegrass band, Dead Men’s Hollow, performs a free concert at the Arts + Crafts Market at Welburn Square. Sit on the grass and enjoy the music from a band the Washington Post calls One of our area's most talented traditional acts".

We'll be pasting colorful footprints to connect all three locations..so connect the dots and find your way around to all of the fun and festivities.

If you haven't been out to the market yet this year, you won't want to miss our grand finale!!

see you there!