While driving home the other day I noticed a coming soon sign in the window of a previously empty building in downtown Ferndale. Assuming it was going to be another restaurant or something of the sort, I didn’t think much of it beyond “neat, that building has been empty for way too long,” that was until I read the description of what it was going to be. To my joyful surprise, the most amazing thing e.v.e.r. was going to take over what was once Old Navy. And my heart skipped a beat when I realized it.
The Rust Belt Market, a year-round indoor weekend marketplace, is setting up shop. This is going to be an amazing opportunity for local artists to create, exhibit, sell, and interact with peers and community face to face. Not only is this going to be a powerful tool for selling your goods, it is also going to be an invaluable resource for inspiration, networking, marketing and expanding your clientele. Think a weekly brick-and-mortar Etsy-like arts & crafts fair in a mod indie environment.
“Our atmosphere will be one of camaraderie with fellow creators..” Doesn’t this just energize and inspired you to get involved? I’ve already put in my request to become a regular vendor. This is such an exciting opportunity for local artists/crafters/designers and our community.
I encourage all of you local crafties out there to get involved and help this movement thrive. It is going to be a huge addition to the city of Ferndale, as well as Metro Detroit and Michigan as a whole.
Learn more about The Rust Belt Market and how to become a vendor here.
Jayme Sloan Hennel 