Small Businesses Spotlight: Thursday Nicollet Makers Market
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 4:07PMArticle by Becky Fillinger
The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is programming a Makers Market every Thursday, featuring a really diverse line up of businesses. We spoke to Lisa Middag, Director of Nicollet Activation, and George Shannon, Market Coordinator, to learn more about the Makers Market and the vendors who bring unique goods to our downtown each Thursday.
Q: Please tell us the history of how the Makers Market came about.
Lisa Middag
Lisa: When we spoke to people about what kind of activities they wanted to see have happen downtown, more markets were always at the top of the list. The Nicollet Mall Farmers Market was already established and a perennial downtown favorite. But folks were interested in more market shopping alternatives downtown, so we established the Nicollet Makers Market in 2018.
Due to the pandemic, both the Makers and Farmers markets were cancelled downtown for 2020. Because we are in a “building back” year, and reestablishing both markets is key to downtown’s success, both the Farmers and Makers markets felt this would be a good year to combine the markets and present them together on the same day (Thursdays) from 6am until 2pm. Metro Transit and the city generously agreed to allow for the street to be closed to bus traffic during this time so that the market has the best chance for success.
Q: How many makers are participating this year?
Lisa: We have on average 15 makers participating each week alongside the regular Farmers Market vendors.
Q: Are you accepting new makers?
Lisa: We are always looking for new and exciting makers with a special emphasis on makers who represent the great cultural diversity of our area. Makers interested in applying should complete our interest form. We have a new market coordinator this year, George Shannon, and he will follow up with makers who are interested.
Q: What might we see for sale at the Makers Market?
George: We have a wide variety of vendors and goods for sale! Here’s an interesting one - Spoon and Theory Handmade. It is a women/minority-owned creative arts, jewelry and aromatherapy goods shop. Known for bold mixed media statement jewelry and hand painted MN studs, they offer a unique mix of jewelry, upcycled leather and quality face masks.
Their custom works have been featured in the MN Museum of American Art, MN Fashion Week and community art events with the Modus Locus Gallery/Powderhorn neighborhood. That’s just one maker – come by on Thursday to see the wide variety of goods for sale.
George ShannonQ: How may our readers learn more about the Makers Market and the individual artisans?
George: Please Follow the Mpls Downtown Improvement District on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also visit the following for more information and resources:
