On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Union hosted a holiday art market showcasing local artists. Vendors offered everything from jewelry and knitted clothing to on-site portrait drawings. As I browsed and shopped from table to table, a few of the vendors graciously answered some of my questions about their craft.
If you happen to miss the market, make sure to check out these vendors and catch them at their next gig.
Peach and Bunny Art
Peach and Bunny Art brought a one-of-a-kind experience to the art market with on-the-spot portraits drawn by owner Ingrid Payne. Using bright colored markers, Payne captured her subjects in vivid detail. She describes her artistic inspiration as stemming from “drawing characters and detailed natural objects.”
The name “Peach and Bunny Art” has a sentimental origin. It was inspired by a stuffed animal named Bunny, which Payne’s father gifted her.
Payne’s entrepreneurial journey began in middle school when she started selling scrunchies and commissioned paintings on Etsy. Over time, her business expanded to include jewelry, tattooing and crocheting, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
To keep up with Payne’s latest creations, follow her on Instagram at @peachandbunnyart.
Whasurn
Whasurn, owned by Fletcher Monson, showcases Monson’s artwork in various size prints or even the cutest colorful pins.
The start of Whasurn stemmed from Monson’s long history with drawing. Monson said, “I have always been drawing, literally since I could hold a pen or crayon.” Monson is no stranger to vendorship either — his entrepreneurial spirit began in elementary school, where he sold watercolor paintings of elephants to classmates.
Monson said that his inspiration is drawn from “the media [he had] grown up watching or consuming, especially cartoons or comics.”
My favorite pieces on Monson’s table were the tiny prints of Charli XCX with “brat” written in black letters. In addition, the vintage inspired pin back buttons, which Monson says is one of his favorite products right now.
Whasurn will be featured as a vendor at the upcoming market in the Union on Jan. 14. To explore Fletcher Monson’s work, follow @whasurnon Instagram.
Esther’s Jewels
At Macie Wagstaff’s vendor table, a stunning mix of pearls, charms and metals caught my eye. Wagstaff, the creative force behind Esther’s Jewels, brings her unique vision to each piece she designs.
Wagstaff started making jewelry four years ago, “mainly working with beading and chainmail.” Although she only started markets in February, she has logged 20 markets this year.
One of Wagstaff’s favorite pieces she’s made is a “freshwater pearl cathedral necklace.” She said, “I love the ways the different types of pearls complement each other.”
To follow Esther’s Jewels follow @esthersjewels1 on Instagram.
