Second
Saturday Art and Antique Market has officially settled into 30th Street
and Penn Avenue. Conveniently nestled between Lawrenceville and the
Strip District, the new venue for art and antiques is attracting eager
patrons to the area.
Pittsburgh natives Janis Wilson and Jill
Thompson were outdoor market devotees while Washington, D.C. and New
York City residents. After relocating back to Pittsburgh, the pair
hatched an ambitious homespun counterpart: “I visited
Eastern Market on
Capital Hill, where people automatically started their day. There was
nothing in Pittsburgh like this. If I cannot find something, I make
it.”
The market’s
location is ideal: “There is free parking at 30th and Liberty. It is
central, so shoppers can walk from many places.” After starting in
March, the market is bombarded with inquiries. The pair senses momentum
generated: “We want people to look forward to this regularly, to
develop a reputation for outstanding quality and variety and to attract
over 100 vendors.”
Wilson, who apprenticed with Halston’s
milliner, sells hats in SoHo and at Ruth Young in Shadyside. She
insists the market is not an income generator; the goal is to offer
reasonable rates and exposure to artists. One large space is $30, two
spaces $50 and three spaces $80.
“We provide opportunities for
artists who may not show in galleries and boutiques. For dealers it is
great. Pittsburgh lacks an Antique District; it is fragmented, with
shops far from the city. We hope that shops will send reps and we can
help them move merchandise.”
The founders are securing food
vendors and scouting indoor sites for winter months. The next Second
Saturday Art and Antique Market is May 13, 9 AM-3 PM, and features 22
vendors selling handmade weaving, jewelry, metalworks, soap, vintage
clothing and antique furniture. Information: artantiquesmart@aol.com.
(Source: Janis Wilson, Wilson Thompson Ideas)