My first experience as a vendor at the Northside Farmers Market came on October 21st of this year. It was the last outdoor market of the season but you wouldn't have known it looking around. The sun was shining, warm on our backs, as we talked with our neighboring vendors. Patrons mingled about catching up on the week’s events. And a table full of kids were busy decorating bags for Meals on Wheels with Forrest Espinoza and her son, Sage, for the activity at our Northside
The NSAG booth served two purposes for our members this year. It gave us a fairly regular venue to showcase our artwork and sell some if we were so inclined. But it was also there to educate the community about NSAG. With such a wonderful crowd at the Market that day there were plenty of chances for me to tell people about how NSAG is comprised of artists who live or work on the Northside. I was able to explain that the group promotes the many talents of those Northside artists, creates opportunities for them to exhibit their work and encourages members to network with other artists. For many of the members just being able to share their work with others and having a place to do that is very gratifying.
For me, NSAG has done all of those things and more. In the two years that I have been a member I've showed my photography in exhibits, worked on community projects and joined other photography organizations. The people I talked to at the Market, those who admitted to having no artistic talents as well as fellow artists, were excited to hear about NSAG and thought it was great that we had a group like NSAG right here on the Northside. I hope I was able to recruit more members because of the exposure at the Market. But even if I didn't, I know the Market is a great Sunday morning opportunity for our current members that is sure to continue and grow.
