In an effort to promote local artists, two islanders are introducing an event during August’s First Friday Art Walk called Moonlight Market.
The market will be held Aug. 6 from 5-9 p.m. at Town Square on Bainbridge Island. The first market will be a pilot project and organizers Lily Karsten and Sarah Wen are hoping to do a Holiday Market in November. If things go well, the duo will continue the Moonlight Market each month next year from April through October.
“Night markets and artisan markets have been popping up in cities all over the country over the past few years,” Karsten said. “We wanted to bring one to Bainbridge Island. Our primary objectives with the Moonlight Market are to produce a fun well-attended event where the community comes together in the spirit of celebration, curiosity and connection; and artists, makers and like-minded organizations have an easy, affordable place to promote their goods and services.”
Onsite will be over 20 vendors consisting of artists, makers, bakers, painters and more, along with a mix of cultural and nonprofit organizations. Vendors will have items such as houseplants, home goods, ceramics, woodwork, paintings, vintage clothing, jewelry, herbal body products, etc.
Local organizations supporting the event include Arts & Humanities Bainbridge, Bainbridge Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. The Harbour Public House will be serving craft food and drinks. A curated music set will be provided by Sam Kelly Jr., who goes by the stage name of DJ Instant Nostalgia.
“From everyone we have been communicating with there is a lot of excitement and buzz around this event,” Karsten said. “It feels like a good time for the community to come out and be together. The outdoor format is perfect for the times. We can be responsible, inclusive and fun.”
Karsten is a freelance creative raised on Bainbridge Island. Her background is in fashion and photography styling. Wen moved to Bainbridge in 2004 and owned a clothing boutique store called Kennedy & Kate in Winslow from 2005-10. Her background is in merchandising, sales and marketing.
