Now in its fifth year, the Mancos Art Market offers unique gifts from local artists, along with live music and food at venues across town.
The event runs Sunday, Nov. 30, with more than 40 artists at venues throughout Mancos. Mancos Creative District’s Chelsea Lunders told The Journal about 800 to 1,000 people attend each year.
Local and regional creators will display pottery, hand-smithed jewelry, herbal tinctures and salves, works of literature by local authors, homewares, upcycled fashion, adventure gear and more.
Participants include Diné artist Venaya Yazzie, tintype portrait photographer Ernie Rheaume of Silver and Cyanide, and home-goods makers Charleaux Designs, Jenn Rawling and Ludwig & Tilly. The Mancos Creative District highlights new artists daily on social media.
“The Mancos Art Market has always been a cozy and welcoming event,” event organizer Amy Reid said. “Families enjoying one another's company before the break ends, local artists sharing space and creativity and the all-around community-centeredness of Mancos create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
Live music plays all day at several venues. The Robin Davis Duo will perform bluegrass at Fenceline Cidery from noon to 3 p.m. Bradley Hoessle and Danny Quinlan of the Afrobeatniks will play at Bomdiggity Mystical Market & Gallery from noon to 4 p.m. At the Mancos Opera House, Celtic harper and “lilt enthusiast” Jill Shuken will share the stage with Ben Kraftwerx performing classical, Latin and jazz guitar.
“Not only is it the perfect opportunity to find niche, one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones this season, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to support our local working artists throughout the winter season,” Reid said. The event also showcases Mancos’ charm, from its cidery and local eateries to galleries and the historic opera house, he said.
Local businesses join in with a stamp-rally promotion. Attendees receive a market passport and can collect stamps from participating shops and venues. Completed passports may be submitted at the Mancos Community Center for a chance to win prizes donated by area artists and businesses.
The Mancos Art Market also features sweets from Deco Desserts, where owner and professionally trained pastry chef Fairlight Whritner creates artisan chocolates, French macarons, house-made hot chocolate with marshmallows and other treats using locally sourced ingredients.
Reid emphasized the importance of supporting local artisans, especially during the holidays.
“Artisans do so much to beautify our lives, supply our practical needs and preserve our stories,” Reid said. “It's more important now than ever to support real, working artists – particularly in seasonally driven areas such as ours.”
