SHELBURNE FALLS – The Harvest Makers and Art Market at The Mill on Saturday offered artists a chance to share their work with the wider community.
“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this,” said Kirsten Oxboel, an interior designer and merchandiser, who on Saturday was at the market selling a variety of high-end vintage clothing. “We’ve got a pretty great community here, some great artists.”
For many of the local artists, Saturday’s market — which was modeled after the local farmers market, with vendors set up several feet apart and plenty of open space for shoppers to mill around — was one of few opportunities they’ve had this year to engage with the community and share their work.
Marian Ives, an artist of more than 45 years, said as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the art shows she normally participated in have been canceled. She works with metal and makes weather vanes, ornaments and jewelry.
“Then this popped up” she said, noting Saturday in particular would have been the Ashfield Fall Festival, which was canceled. “We lucked out with the weather. Through the years, we sometimes got snow, rain, 100-degree (Farenheit) weather, so we really lucked out.”
Mixed media artist Yani Counelis said he saw many tourists, in addition to locals, passing through the market.
“People stopped and looked, and some bought some things,” he said.
Counelis said his interest in many mediums has kept him busy, even during the pandemic.
“I don’t get bored,” he said.
Cara Leach, of The Light Within, said organizers did a “really great job” of creating a COVID-safe activity.
“We’ve had a steady stream of people,” she said. “We’ve had locals, and some people from out of town. The weather certainly helps — it’s a beautiful day.”
Leach said she understands why other festivals were canceled but was grateful for the opportunity to be outdoors on Saturday.
“It gives artists like me an alternative to be out with the community, especially since a lot of the other festivals aren’t happening this year,” she said.
Oxboel said she hopes to see more outdoor markets like Saturday’s, even in the approaching winter months.
“I want to do a Christmas market,” she said. “I’m all for outdoor markets. It’s one of the silver linings of COVID.”
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne