Picture a vibrant arts hub called the Tannery Arts Center, where creativity flows, much like the nearby San Lorenzo River. As spring brings new life and Mother's Day draws near, artists prepare for the annual Spring Art Market. Now in its seventh year, this event highlights the Tannery Art Studios and campus and showcases artists from across Santa Cruz County.

At the heart of this event lies a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, and a tangible demonstration of the impressive abundance of skilled creative talent in Santa Cruz County.

According to the latest Arts and Economic Prosperity Study (AEP6), commissioned by Arts Council Santa Cruz County and conducted by Americans for the Arts, events like the Spring Art Market play a pivotal role in driving investment in the creative workforce and the development of cultural industries.

The data from the AEP6 study speaks volumes: small arts and culture organizations contribute significantly to our economy, generating millions in local economic activity. "More than simply buying and selling, art markets are all about celebrating local creativity, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering vibrant communities," says Mercedes Lewis, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Tannery Arts Center Program Manager. By patronizing events like the Spring Art Market, attendees aren't just purchasing art; they're investing in the artist and supporting the local economy.

Beyond the numbers lies a universal, human-centered value: the intrinsic connection between art and community. As Bree Karpavage, Spring Art Market Coordinator, says, "The variety of artists this year is amazing. It's not just about the art itself, but the stories it tells and the connections it inspires." From the intricate designs of Adon Valenziano's kinetic mobiles to the nature-inspired jewelry of Fereshteh Fatemi, each piece presented at the Spring Art Market tells a unique story.

Cultural events like the Spring Art Market serve as vital platforms for artists to share their work and narratives, offering pathways to economic empowerment, equitable market exposure, and access to creative industry networks.

Mark your calendars! Join us at the Tannery Arts Centre on Saturday, May 11. The campus will be alive with music, a vibrant selection of handcrafted gifts, foods, and locally grown flowers for the mother figures in your life. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. For more information, including featured artists and vendor listings, please visit Spring Art Market 2024

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 11

Time: 10am-5pm

Location: Tannery Arts Center, 1050-1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, California