Cancelled Art Fairs and Markets Force Artists to Host Virtual Artisan Market on April 16-19 Via Facebook
Artists and artisans are hoping to find shoppers online during the COVID-19 pandemic and are turning to Facebook for help. Cancelled spring and summer art fairs and markets are causing uncertainty among artists who rely on these events for income. A group of artists around the Fox River Valley area and Chicago suburbs are organizing a Virtual Artisan Market in hopes of recovering lost revenue and giving the community a fun shopping experience from the comfort of their couches.
Laura Lynne of Laura Lynne Art, one of the organizers of the event, said, "It's a lot of work to set up a booth at an art fair. I'm looking forward to the convenience of going live in the Facebook event from my home studio. We're hoping shoppers, or anyone looking for some entertainment will enjoy the online event. I know nothing will replace meeting fans in person, but this is a creative alternative, for now."
Local art to be showcased spans mixed media paintings, handcrafted crystal jewelry, hand-drawn illustration, witty greeting cards, natural artisan soaps, bath + body products, loose leaf tea blends, local honey, elderberry syrup, natural beeswax products, pottery, wool felted dryer balls, henna art, delicious hot sauces, flameworked glass art, intricate freehand wood burned art, CBD oil products for humans and pets, and more.
Event organizers urge their online shoppers to follow safety protocol with any new packages or mail entering the home. Per the CDC: "After collecting mail from a post office or home mailbox, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol." Some experts even advise to leave packages to "air out" for three days before opening or wipe the surfaces with disinfectant.
Event Information: Virtual Artisan Market, Thursday April 16 - Sunday, April 19. Artists and artisans will each have a 30-minute time slot to post and/or go live within the event on Thursday, April 16, and virtual shopping will remain open all weekend long. Musicians will go live in the event on Friday and Saturday nights. Find a full artist list and schedule online.