The Swarthmore Makers Market took over the ville last Sunday afternoon.

Young Alfie Metry enjoying the sounds of-Manouche 5. *Photo courtesy of Kristen Dudley*

The sun was shining brightly on Swarthmore this past Sunday, November 7, as 75 local and regional artisans and other makers took over the town for the Swarthmore Makers Market. This open-air market, which features a selection of their handmade creations, has typically been held twice a year in front of the Inn at Swarthmore and the SEPTA station. Sunday’s market was the first since November 2019.

The market was curated, organized and sponsored by Martha Perkins of Gallery on Park and Shannon Elliott of Harvey Oak Mercantile (H.O.M.). They had received—and approved—a record number of applications from artists and makers in August, which led them to work with the Swarthmore Town Center team and local businesses to extend the footprint of the market to Park Avenue, South Chester Road, waR3house3, and the green across from PNC Bank. Martha and Shannon explained, “the pandemic was particularly hard on artisans, who had so many shows canceled. We wanted the return of the Makers Market to accommodate as many artists as possible. There were so many amazing applicants, we did not want to say no.”

Many local businesses extended their hours or hosted pop-ups during the market. Village Vine featured mulled wine to go, while Ship Bottom Brewery had multiple taps at the ready for patrons to enjoy. Hobbs Coffee offered soup, as well as sweets from Allie the Baker—which all sold out quickly! The food truck BonJour Creperie and other local eateries also kept the hungry shoppers fed all day.

Live music was featured in two locations: the crowd at the main show was serenaded by Manouche 5 and Last Chance, while Brian Kors and Danie Ocean shared their powerful vocal talent with the patrons on Park Avenue. And the Swarthmore Campus and Community Store entertained the kids with fun make-your-own crafts.

Afterwards, many of the artists reported record-breaking sales, and all of them expressed huge gratitude to the many people who visited the market. Although no exact count was taken, it is estimated that thousands showed up to meet the artists and enjoy a beautiful day of shopping and connecting with local art. As Maria of 222 Creations put it, “Everything seemed just perfect—the weather, the happy customers and vendors—just such a great vibe. I wish I could come every weekend!” Swarthmore Town Center board member Kim Bernhaus had a similar reaction: “The Swarthmore Makers Market was fabulous! The weather made it especially lovely, but the number and variety of vendors was fantastic. The music and food were a great addition. I’m so grateful to live in a town where creative people like Martha and Shannon give back to the community.”

Wallingford’s Emma Tate of NamasTate Designs. *Photo: Shannon Elliott*

The organizing team wants to thank the artists for sharing their talent, the patrons for showing up and shopping, all the volunteers who made the event possible, including the wonderful Haven Helpers of Strath Haven High School, the borough council—especially the General Government Committee and Borough Manager Jane Billings—and Public Works and the Swarthmore Police Department for enabling streets to be closed off. Proceeds from the fees paid by the artists will benefit Swarthmore Town Center programs and events. The organizing team is looking forward to planning another spectacular event sometime in the spring. Until then, they hope everyone will continue to #shoplocal and #shopSwarthmore!