43
Last Minute Market offers chance to find unique gifts
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
More than 40 artists gave holiday shoppers a chance to find a unique gift at the Artists of the Rust Belt Last Minute Market.
The event Sunday at the B&O Banquet Center offered a variety of handmade items, including ceramics, purses, scarves, jewelry and photos.
Meg Harris and her daughter, Briana Harris, both of Boardman, enjoy attending local art markets.
“We always shop local,” Meg said. “We like to support the local artists. And it’s nice to have this last minute opportunity, too, for those last minute items we need to pick up.”
The pair purchased a Christmas tree made from wine corks, some essential oils and a natural-ingredient lotion for their dog’s paws that prevents them from chapping.
The Last Minute Market included a lot of talented artists, Briana said.
“You can see a lot of creativity,” she said.
Megan Evans, of Boardman, attends the Last Minute Market annually.
“I enjoy the crafts,” she said. “I like seeing what the local artisans are doing, and it’s always a great time to get Christmas gifts, too.”
She purchased shirts with photos digitized to look like painted pictures.
“There are a lot of different, very unique items,” she said.
She likes that the items are handmade.
“Homemade is nicer than going to the store to get something,” she said.
Mary Buchenic, of Hubbard, makes historically-inspired prayer and meditation beads.
She sells them at vendor events and takes custom orders. She regularly participates in Artists of the Rust Belt markets.
“I love downtown Youngstown,” she said. “I love what the artist community has done to help bring about a revitalization of the community.”
All her proceeds from Sunday’s event will be donated to a Solar Sisters project in Haiti that teaches cooking using the sun.
Artists of the Rust Belt is a nonprofit arts organization that works to promote the arts in Youngstown. They host art markets at the B&O about five times a year, said Tony Nicholas, executive director.
“Originally, this started as a way to give regional artists an outlet to sell their stuff,” he said.
“At the same time, it provides the public with a local, unique shopping experience. It keeps the money here in the area, it gives artists an opportunity to be exposed and helps them create future work. And it’s a unique shopping experience.”