Fans of the Newport Beach Farmers’ Market that takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday in Lido Village will find expanded offerings starting this weekend when the Lido Village Artisan Market makes its debut next to the Farmers’ Market.
Lido Village Artisan Market was founded by Kathy Shaw, who formerly ran the Pelican Courtyard Open Air Market for New and Vintage Finds in Newport Beach.
Now, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, shoppers can browse a variety of artists selling jewelry, pottery and vintage items.
“These small business vendors have a passion for what they do,” says Shaw. “They search estate sales and spend hours creating some truly unique pieces. My passion is making these small business owners successful with a place to sell their work. We are doing this market in conjunction with the Farmers Market on a one month trial basis. If we are successful we will continue, so it is really important to get the word out.”
“There’s something very European about the feel of Lido Village,” adds Shaw. “Most farmers’ markets are so mainstream, but in Lido Village we have cobblestone streets and a different feel than anywhere else.”
Shaw says she has 60 vendors lined up for her Artisan Market, and will showcase 15 vendors per week on a rotating basis.
“Some are home artists, others started their dream jobs after being a casualty of the economic marketplace,” says Shaw, who has lived in Newport Beach since 1988. She worked at Lido Travel in the 1980s, then stayed home to raise her family. Now that her kids are grown, she wants to help local artisans by offering an outlet to showcase their wares.
“I am not a designer,” admits Shaw. “I love helping artists so they can do their thing. It’s also a positive draw for the community.”
Every week, Shaw posts the names of vendors who will be at that week’s market on her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LidoVillageArtisanMarket.
