booth scootin' boogie

National makers market adds Austin to its crafty network of hipster cities

Austin loves its artisan markets, and this one will bring crafts from its network of seven other cities.

Photo courtesy of Markets for Makers

There's no shortage of places to buy artisan goods in Austin, from craft stores to farmers markets and holiday bazaars. But one new market, debuting this December 2-3, has found success around eight other cities in the United States before opening in this crafty capital.

Markets for Makers — also in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, and Nashville — offers a broad scope of goods from makers all over. That's the draw; There will be some products by Austin makers, but the chain uses its many bases to its advantage, sharing products from independent artists local to other markets. The website estimates that 100 to 120 makers will be included in the upcoming sale.

“Our goal is to create curated shopping experiences that showcase one-of-a-kind products and build a community that supports, inspires, and encourages makers and small businesses," said founder of Markets for Makers Natalie Christensen in a release. "Austin, with its vibrant spirit, aligns perfectly with our vision, and we can't wait to embark on this exciting journey."

Shoppers will find home décor, fashion, art, and design items, among whatever else happens to show up. The markets have been building their maker base since 2015, attributing much of their success to community partners and social media — a grassroots strategy.

As Austinites know, these markets are often more of a social event than a place to pick up anything in particular, so this city's shopping culture is primed for the "experiential market" that will also serve food and beverages.

"We take great pride in showcasing the work of our talented and diverse collection of makers that represent a mix of local and national artists," said Christensen. “We want to spread the word about our upcoming market in order to attract the finest local talent and small businesses who will join us in this celebration of creativity.”

Austinites interested in selling their products ($400 per booth) can fill out an application at marketsformakers.com.

Like Austin's famous recurring mass markets Le Garage Sale and the City-Wide Vintage Sale, these new sales will be held at the Palmer Event Center and will require paid admission (currently set at $8 as an earlybird single-entry price, or $18 for unlimited weekend entry and a VIP preview).

artisans artists shopping jewelry

Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

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