Carrboro's Bazaar lends a home to the arts

It’s hard to make a living as an artist.

But Meghan and Duncan Morgan are making it a little bit easier for local Carrboro artists and vendors by starting The Bazaar, a craft market that meets six times a year for 50 to 70 artists to display their work.

The Holiday Bazaar Craft and Art Market will be held Nov. 13 from noon to 5 p.m.

Hosted at the CarrboroTown Commons, The Bazaar works with over 200 artists and vendors. Co-founder Duncan said The Bazaar grew from the lack of art markets nearby that lasted long. 

“We thought it would be really cool to use the Commons and try to create a market that was sustainable,” he said. “We thought this would be a great way to be in touch with the community again, and we could create stuff and share it with the public.”

He said they wanted the name to be interesting — much like the people of Carrboro.

“We chose The Bazaar because we wanted something catchy and The Bazaar seem to fit but also because it is a play on words,” he said. “We like to think of Carrboro is a place for the bizarre and weird to feel at home."

Meghan said after encouragement from friends and much consideration, the pair decided they were up to the task of reviving the craft market. 

“We worked at a coffee shop and we really just loved talking to the community and being a part of the community,” she said. “People these days are so cut off by technology and don't get out as much as they used to. We really love putting something together that gets people out and bring them together for something local to buy local.”

Duncan said neither of the pair had experience organizing events of this size, but are learning to perfect it through practice and cooperation.

“One of the things I am most proud of is how organized it is," he said. "When people come, they basically have their spots chalked out and everyone who comes has done this thing before and the vendors know exactly where to be and what we say will be available will be available.”

Tierra Sol, run by artist Seana Monley Rodriguez and her husband who specialize in plant art, will be one of the businesses at The Holiday Bazaar Craft and Art Market. Rodriguez said she and her husband had known Meg and Duncan before The Bazaar and appreciate the hard work they put into it. 

“The Bazaar is extremely well-curated with over 50 vendors who make amazing, well-made gifts for a variety of ages, but made up of younger makers and designers who are a part of a movement of handmade makers and would change your mind about what an art and craft fair is," Rodriguez said. "You'll find stuff like outer space cats on tea cups, pencil skirts, natural jasmine and hibiscus body butter.”

Duncan said the primary goal of the Bazaar is to create something to benefit the community and give people a place to go to connect.

“I think this is really important because I have lived here 35 years, and this community just continues to change,” he said. “For a lot of people who are artists, but also have a day job and have a passion, there is no other venue out there other than Etsy or if you open up your own shop online. For most people who are super talented, though, there is nowhere else to go other than something like this.” 

Meghan said any artist or vendor can join for the next market simply by submitting an application online. This makes it easy for everyone to be included and have a chance to show off their work.

“We feel we have such a great venue to help the people who are both established, and help them make their living as makers, and then people who are new have something that isn't so exclusive,” she said. “You get in early, you pay and you're in. “

It is free to attend, and food trucks, music, beer and entertainment will be available. Meghan said this will be the last market of 2016, but encourages shoppers to come by and get their Christmas shopping done early.

“The craftsmanship is amazing,” she said. 

“It’s the same price as the things found on Amazon,and yet, when you go to things like this you find these amazing, one-of-a-kind, handmade items that are really well made — and better yet, the people right next door to you are creating these things."

@maggsmouat

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