Rachel Dolnick
'We want people to share customers and concepts.'
Madison will lose Absolutely Art, 2322 Atwood Ave., at the end of the month when the show "A Discourse on Love" concludes. But it will gain another creative project: a pop-up flea market called MadCity Bazaar. It's a new venture helmed by Absolutely Art owner Meghan Blake-Horst and collaborator Joe Mingle.
Blake-Horst says MadCity Bazaar is inspired by events like Brooklyn Flea, which is often featured on HGTV. It's a gathering place for crafters and artisans, as well as locals who sell vintage clothing, homemade snacks and oddities collected while traveling the globe. Plus, it's an ideal way for Blake-Horst to apply some of the skills she developed at Absolutely Art.
"I've been thinking a lot about economic development," she says. "I think MadCity Bazaar can help get some new businesses up and running. I've been doing this kind of work every day for nine years, helping artists start their businesses."
The first three bazaars will take place in the parking lot of Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, 615 E. Washington Ave., on June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17. Blake-Horst hopes the festival-like setting will encourage vendors to socialize and share ideas.
"That's one thing I see in the arts overall, the need to collaborate," she says. "We want local people to share resources, customers and concepts. Something might not work for my event, but it could work for yours. That's the kind of attitude Madison's creative sector needs."
MadCity Bazaar 615 E. Washington Ave., June 15, July 20 & Aug. 17
