Getting The Word Out.

This Saturday stands the chance to be the biggest market yet. If that sounds familiar. it's because we've said this for the past two markets and been right both times. Folks the market is going very well, we've added new growers, new food vendors and the artists are bringing in new work that is outstanding, it's a great time for the Downtown Art and Farmers Market.

Some things to look for:
        New growers-Jimmy Harden, the Juicy Lucy ladies, Sherry Pullen with her produce.
        Look for the "Locally Grown by Me" signs our folks have, they'll tell you what they grew  themselves,and how they grew it.
         Fresh roasted coffee beans
         More consumables, breakfast items, lunch and cold beverages and snacks.
         The stalwarts, the anchors, folks like Amanda from Crazy Hoe Farms, Cal from Apple Country, the Thiel family with Sunburst farms.
          The market booth with Justin, Laura, Gerron and Olivia, wonderful plants, markets bags, calendars and information, stop by and say hello.

Some things that gets asked every market is where does the produce come from, is it local, how was it grown? Folks just ask the vendor, look for the signs, be involved with the information available. Our growers are proud of their products and will share any info they have.

So everyone, please mark your calendars for the 10th of August, this Saturday at 19th and Buddy Holly, 9am to 3pm the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market will be bringing food and fun to Lubbock.

Yes, we are still here...

Yes, the Downtown Art Market blog is still here.
It's inexcusable  that I haven;t been even remotely regular in posting, but we have been very regular in sustaining the DAM through it's forth year. May of 2013 marks the 4th anniversary of the first Downtown Art Market. Time really flies when you're having fun, and we did have fun in 2012. That year saw the biggest jump in the market since the beginning. The increase in the food growers and producers drove the traffic and all of our artists benefited. Big, big numbers in the kind folks who supported us. Thank you one and all.

Now it's May and the market is coming up on Saturday the 11th, a somber anniversary in Lubbock, 43 years since the storm that changed our community. I wasn't here then, but have heard about it and seen the changes myself in the 40 years I have been in Lubbock. Changes that have been good for the community arising from necessity, due to tragedy. The strengthening of a community.

We have developed quite the community at the DAM, both the vendors and the folks who support us and we are very thankful for that. We are determined to keep that community together, we've made it 4 years we can make it for 40 more. The Downtown Art and Farmers Market will continue to grow and flourish under the care of everyone in Lubbock. We will continue to be a shining example of what can be accomplished by individuals coming together for a greater cause. A bright spot in the continuing resurgence of downtown Lubbock, an event that will bring together folks from all over Lubbock and the rest of the South Plains.

Folks, if you know anyone who hasn't come to the DAM yet, let them know about it. If you've come once, please come again. Tell your friends, your family, your neighbors because this is the way that community projects keep gaining steam. Word of mouth, you can't buy it and you can't do without it, it is what fuels little projects like ours. The buzz that happy people create when they talk about the artwork they purchased, how great the fresh eggs and vegetables were that they purchased there, what an enjoyable time they had visiting with their old friends and the new ones they met, that buzz s what keeps us motivated to bring y'all the Downtown Art and Farmers Market each month. Yes that buzz of goodwill is all we need.

Thanks all-
Larry Simmons

The July Markets!

Here it is the 30th of July 2012 and all we can say is- Thank You Lubbock! What a tremendous turnout for both, yes both Downtown Art Markets this month. Two markets in one month, both well attended with a variety of art and foodstuffs...that's a major accomplishment in our book. We are lucky enough to have had tremendous artists at the DAM over the last 3 years, all working in so many media we've lost track. Great locally produced arts and crafts. The last couple of markets, they've been different, the DAM has always been a cool scene to go to, but these July DAMs they went up a notch. the DAM Farmers Market just went through the roof. Everyone has raved about the addition of more growers, Sunburst, Crazy Hoes, Apple Country Orchards all represented. Eggs from Canyon, cheese from Farwell...and we want more folks. Everyone has a story about going to a public market, fresh food, the arts and crafts booths, local restaurants with their wares on the street and the fun it was. We want to be that market for today, a contemporary version that reflects the people of our city.

The Downtown Art Market has been here since 2009, we now, should have added Farmers into that long ago. Whenever you read this post, ( I hope someone will) please remember the DAM and the Downtown Farmers Market are one in the same. A great way to spend some time in downtown Lubbock- meet talented folks and see their creations, shake hands and talk with the people who grew those killer watermelons, tomatos or peppers but most of all its a fine way to spend a day outside with your family, friends and neighbors.

Thanks Folks-
Larry Simmons

Twice in a month!

Folks, we have to say a big "Thank You" to all involved in the July 14th market...truly the best DAM to date. The kickoff to the farmers market season was a huge success! Lots of vendors, lots of folks and lots of fun made this a truly special event. Now to keep this up and get ready for next season, we are having the second July market. This Saturday the 28th you can come see what all the hoopla was about. Beginning this month and continuing through the end of season in October, the market will be open twice every month on the second and fourth Saturdays . That's twice the chances to come see and purchase the finest in local art and the freshest in locally produced foods and produce. We'll have most of the same growers we had on the 14th plus a few new ones that didn't make it out. Lots of fresh produce and foods. We had a lot of sell-outs in cheese, eggs and produce, so if you're looking for something special, you might want to be here at opening. Remember folks, Saturday the 28th, 9am to 3pm at 19th Street and Buddy Holly-in the Depot District...fun for all!

The Farmers Market Kick-Off!

So Saturday the 14h of July is shaping up to be a big day at the market. We have been working diligently to bring, at your requests, a bigger "green" branch to the Downtown Art Market. The voices were strong ;more veggies, more fruit, local foods-a bigger "green branch" Here it starts-in July, on the second Saturday.

We have new folks-Sunburst Farms, GRUB Farm from the food bank, Elle Farms, Dutch Cheesemaking, Simply Decadent breads and Klemkes from Slaton. Apple Country Orchard and some of their growers, High Plains Gardens, as always. This will be the biggest farmers market at the DAM to date. Folks that's 3 years - this one promises to be great.

We are not forgetting the Artists that always make the Downtown Art Market the cool spot to be...even in this heat. Sandstorm Glassworks, Texas Leatherrworks, Melissa Lee's killer gourds, Rachael Jones reconstructed jewelry and all of Dirty Deeds great products-they'll all be there.The Downtown Art Market is one of those little hidden things in Lubbock to a lot of people, we need to tell everyone to come see the July market.

We'll see everyone bright and early on the 14th of July-second Saturday as always-The Downtown Art Market-19th Street at Buddy Holly Avenue.

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Moving Forward 2.0

I suppose this is the second in a series of ' Moving Forward" posts. The first is on our Tornado Gallery blogspot page, please take a second and peruse if you like. The June Downtown Art Market was the beginning of our fourth year. Four years of a monthly arts, crafts and farmers market in downtown Lubbock, some things have been, easier than others, some more difficult but we always try and move forward. In that spirit, the July market will bring some changes that will encourage more produce, plant and flower folks to participate. In fact we have commitments from new growers like Sunburst Farms, 2 new additions, a fresh bakery and a cheese maker, all will be here in July. This will be the beginning of increasing the "green" side of the market. It's tough here in the Hub, the farmers market season has kicked fully in other parts of the State, but here its usually July before we come into full swing. We're really wanting a big turnout fr this one so please tell everyone you know.
Stay tuned to this page for more updates...

The February Downtown Art Market

Here it is February of 2012 and the year's first market. Chances are it will be brisk in the morning so everyone, artists, growers and our fans please dress warm.
2011 was a "long strange trip" to quote the Grateful Dead-it will be viewed as a pivotal year in the evolution of the Downtown Art Market in Lubbock. It was our third year and as we roll into year 4, we have to look at some basic changes.
The growers among us had a dismal year. The DAM really missed having the beautiful flowers, plants, and produce that make us so popular. That was very unfortunate but no one could have foreseen the weather. The weather was another factor in 2011, the heat was unbearable on market days and we moved as many vendors as possible indoors-that lost us our street presence, one of the key ingredients in the DAM. We did 3 events with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal at the Civic Center-wonderful events. All the DAM folks that I talked to loved being inside, I did too, but it led to some confusion with some vendors and customers missing the markets. On that subject, in March we will be having the DAM at 19th and Buddy Holly-we urge any vendor who liked the Civic Center to participate in the AJ's Bigger than Texas Garage Sale on that same day, attend both events!
Now we are looking at where we take the DAM now. The city has enacted a new street-use permit for folks who sell on city property-sidewalks-that will affect us. We have finished moving Tony's neon shop into the rear building with Lee so that space is gone. The big shop will not be used for growers any longer, we are simply too busy to set it up every month. That will leave the gallery and the garden only, that drastically reduces our space and therefore the number of vendors. We need to look at options on the best way to proceed forward. Do we limit the number of types of art and crafts-2 painters, 2 jewelery, for example. Do we change the day to maybe First Friday and do the First Friday Art Market? The folks who set up on that day all enjoy it. We have always tried to be fair and equitable with all involved so we find ourselves in a quandary. We are working on our next steps. I'd also encourage everyone to submit their opinion on this blog. Leave a comment1

Don't forget this Saturday 9am to 3pm the 32nd monthly Downtown Art Market, artists, growers, and crafts people all at Tornado Gallery in beautiful downtown Lubbock, Texas.

The Evolving Downtown Art Market.

Happy Holidays to all of you folks who will read this. I'd say Merry Christmas but its just not quite close enough to the 25th.
The December DAM s right around the corner on the 10th and this will mark some changes for the market. When we concieved the DAM it was an outdoor event, in the garden and along the sidewalks on Buddy Holly. As it progressed the ,Shop area became a part of it and so did the area by Sandstorm Glassworks. Folks, sorry but hat has changed. We have moved the neon shop into the rear and the shop area is now just that our workshop. This means that the DAM will take place in Tornado Gallery and in the garden, it goes back to an outdoor event. Yes, We realize that puts us at the mercy of the weather but it cannot be helped. Progress on the main front requires it. Call me to talk about this 441-8564 I'm always available...
January is the off month for the DAM so we'll see everyone on the 10th.

Fall Bazaar and Market Day

One of the best things about the Downtown Art Market, is teaming up with the people and businesses that support us in bigger events. Our first was back in July-the Texas Sized Market Day, this Saturday is the second event-the Fall Bazaar and Market Day. Sponsored by the Lubbock Avalanche Journal, the Bazaar will take place from 9am to 3pm on the 12th. Everyone's favorite artists and growers will be present at the Civic Center exhibit hall. Inside, out of whatever weather will be headed our way the Bazaar will be the first of the holiday shopping events in Lubbock. Come down and shop through the over 120 booths featuring all styles of art, accessories, and just cool stuff. Woodwork, leather work, glass, ceramics all will be found this Saturday at the Civic Center.

Mark your calendars or set your phone scheduler for the Fall Bazaar and Market Day-Saturday the12th, 9 to 3 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Only $2 per person for all the fun and shopping you can have!

Texas Sized Market Day!

This Saturday the 9th of July-the Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Tornado Gallery and the Downtown Art Market all join forces to bring Lubbock this huge event. Over 120 vendors will be showcasing their works on art, crafts, produce, plants and flowers as well as antiques, collectibles and other fun merchandise. Taking place in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center this will be a cool shopping experience. The Downtown Art Market vendors and Farmers Market folks will all be there. The GRUB Farm from the South Plains Food Bank begins it's season with us this Saturday. All in all this will be a cool community event.

9am to 3pm admission is $2 at the Civic Center...Saturday the 9th...

The Second Anniversary

Two years, two years we've been doing our little market and it just keeps getting better. Artists, growers, neighbors and every one else continue to support us and we are all thankful for it. This Saturday, the 14th we're expecting 30+ vendors our usual killer crowd of people. The official local Farmers season hasn't quite kicked off, but there will be prepared foods, plants, herbs and Texas veggies from down state. Come on in and support your local artist or grower or both!.
We like to think that the DAM is economic stimulus at the base-you buy from the creator. Te artist or farmer-the person who's sweat, blood and creativity are reflected in every piece or plant. It does not get any more local than this. Come on downtown in Lubbock and see your neighbors, eat a little bit and celebrate Lubbock.

Springtime In Lubbock at the DAM

March 2011-Springtime, almost, in Lubbock. What better way to get out of the winter doldrums than to come down to the market. We're all thawing out and hoping that the weather stays good for the 12th. Its still 2 days away and that's a lifetime in Texas weather.
We keep moving along, this July with the Lubbock A J we'll be in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center co-sponsoring the Texas Sized Garage Sale. Inside the Civic Center, how cool is this. It also means that everyone that can sell what ever they like. Aside from the arts and produce, vendors will be able to sell their art supplies, books, collectibles, you name it-legal of course-its a Texas Sized Garage Sale. Last year this event drew almost 2000 folks. Yes Sir Marketeers this will be fun.

See everyone on Saturday he 12th...
Larry

2011 The Year Ahead...

We are heading into 2011, can you believe that. Seems just like it was 2010 a few days ago...
So whats going to be in store for the coming year, well that's what this will be about-where we're headed and why. We have been blessed with strong support from Artists, Growers and customers alike-Thank You one and all.

The DAM will continue on the second Saturday every month, except January-everyone deserves some time off. We strive to bring in the best local and regional arts and crafts, every month.The freshest in Texas produce and plants. We want the DAM to showcase the finest work, the tastiest foods, most beautiful flowers and plants,the best artisans working in the area. Y'all are the family, the creative family that is the Downtown Art Market, it is an event to be proud of.

More vendors and customers we all want that, and we'll get them. A more varied array of art, please tell the artists you know about us. That's how the word spreads, the buzz we create. Telling one more person about the market, adds another friend to everyone. The quality of what is sold at the DAM is always first rate, that is a fact that will distinguish us from other markets. The location is great, the people wonderful, and the experience is just that, an enjoyable experience. It is a family outing in Downtown Lubbock, the closest thing to community shopping in Lubbock.

The DAM is working with the neighborhood, to involve them more on those second Saturdays, have more places open in the Depot District and to let their customers know that we are here and open. Most of the business owners and employees come in to the Market, to browse and say "Hello" some of them are good customers for our vendors. That's support. We want that to grow.

I think that will do it...let me know what you think folks, we'll try and make it happen.

Larry Simmons

Just a reminder

Happy New Year folks-remember the DAM is closed every January-we'll see you in February!

The Christms edition DAM

The 20^th Downtown Art Market takes place this Saturday, December 11^th from 9am to 3pm. The Christmas edition of the market features local artists and local growers in a communal, supportive atmosphere. Centered around Tornado Gallery the DAM has become a monthly fixture for downtown Lubbock. While other markets have sprung up, the DAM proudly continues to offer the finest quality leather goods, woodwork, jewelery, metal work and glass art. A new addition to the Art Market is Sandstorm Glassworks, Resident artists Lee Ware and Bren Merritt will be giving Christmas ornament classes for browsers to enjoy. Their works- glass flowers, custom ornaments, fused and blown glass objects will also be for sale. We have over 30 vendors showing the finest in Christmas presents, all locally made. Support local artists and craftspeolpe by giving the gift of handmade art this Christmas.

The Downtown Art Market

1822 Buddy Holly

806-687-1644

806-441-8564

9am to 3pm

November Is Here!

The November market is Saturday Folks, everybody dress warm, its going to be chilly. Time to start thinking about that perfect gift and what could be better than handmade, local art, Meet the artist, invest some time and thought into that present and support local folks at the same time-talk about a win-win situation. Need some delicious food for your table, prepared breads, salsas and so forth-they're all right here at the Downtown Art Market.

Enjoy browsing the vendors as you meet up with friends at one of Lubbock's newest and most enjoyable events. The second Saturday each month except January-9am - 3pm, don;'t miss it!

September was a blast!

Another market come and gone...what a day-vendors everywhere, customers all over the place and everyone had a smile on. October brings harvest time gourds, pumpkins and winter veggies plus the best in local arts. "That" season is coming up fast, I won't say the word til after Halloween but if you're looking for perfect gifts-give the gift of local art. We'll have lots to choose from so mark your calendars and get ready for October 9th at the Downtown Art Market.
Adios-
Larry

September DAM-Coming up fast!

The September Art Market is right around the corner, less than 2 weeks till we block the street again for downtown's only Market event. Local art and fresh produce and plants will be available on Saturday the 11th from 9am until 3pm. Family and child friendly. the Downtown Art Market is one of the new stars in the Lubbock Cultural District. We'll be roasting chilies, watching artists at work, browsing the best in fresh green thangs of all types and celebrating the community of folks that support the DAM.
Come on down people you'll have a great time...

The July market is here!

This Saturday is the July edition of the DAM, hot fun in the Summertime folks! We're looking at 30+ Artists and Growers to show and sell their work to everyone who attends. After all this rain, get out of the house, bring the family and join us in what has become a shining spot in downtown Lubbock for over a year now. Meet your friends and celebrate what Lubbock has to offer. All varieties of art as well as locally grown produce and plants will be available. Help stimulate the economy on a real grassroots level and support the local folks-you'll feel good about it! Saturday he 10th from 9am to 3pm-its the 14th Downtown Art Market-it won't be the same without you!

Summer's Here!

Its going to be hot this Saturday in downtown, and not just because its the Downtown Art Market! Don't let the heat keep you away, as its the kickoff to the Farmers Market season. From 9am to 3pm this Saturday the 12th of June we will feature 30+ Artists and Growers in a communal downtown setting, its great fun each month.

This month we are putting out a call for more Folks to join us in this endeavor so if you are an Artist-even if you don't admit it to anyone, this is your chance. Rent a space and show your work in a supportive setting that is rapidly becoming a Downtown Lubbock tradition. Our Artists, Crafts People and Growers are a wonderful family and very supportive of one another. If you want to see a grassroots project in action, come yo the DAM.

Support the local scene, see you on Saturday...
Larry Simmons