Farmers Market Brings Artistic Vibe Saturday | Arts

Downtown Houston has been the center of the city since its inception, with Market Square Park at the center of activity then and now. There is a large historic sign in the park that reads in part: “Residents, farmers, peddlers and Indians all throng here daily with wagons loaded with goods to trade.” »

Nearly 200 years later, you’ll still find a farmers’ market in the park, and this Saturday, artists and makers will be showcasing their wares. Learn more about the square below.

In late 2023, Downtown Houston reintroduced the Market Square Park Farmers Market in partnership with Heights-based Central City Co-Op, Houston’s oldest sustainable organic food cooperative, to the newly beautified Market Square Park and improved located at 301 Milam Street.

The last market of the season will take place this Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a return planned for the fall, from September 7 to November 16.

To close out this spring season, Downtown Houston invited me to collaborate on presenting a craft and fine art pop-up. You know, I said yes, I already loaded my wagon!

During a visit in April, I felt “at home” talking to the vendors and listening to the musicians play. There’s something at the Market Square Park Farmers’ Market for everyone – kids and dogs included, and now art lovers! – to enjoy and experience. This free outdoor event also offers several food choices, from savory to sweet.

The artists joining me on Saturday will be located on Preston Street, near the south entrance to Market Square Park. The art market represents a mix of fine arts and crafts, including candles and soap which will be represented by the artisans present on Saturday.

Central City Co-Op was founded in 1998 by a group of like-minded friends and is Houston’s oldest organic and sustainable food cooperative. They call it a “Farmer-First” grocery store and support local and organic growers and manufacturers.

Central City has a storefront open to the public at 2515 Harvard St, Houston TX 77008 and is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit centralcityco-op.com.

Market Square, originally called Congress Square, was the original civic center of the new city of Houston and for 100 years was home to four city halls and a bustling outdoor produce and fish market. The Houston Downtown Management District, Downtown Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #3 and the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department redeveloped Market Square Park in August 2010, after listening to residents, businesses and property owners downtown. With these stakeholders in mind, the park was transformed into a destination for residents and visitors, while preserving the park’s historical and artistic roots.

Until the invitation to join Central City Co-op arrived this Saturday, I had no idea how active downtown Houston was in recreating this center of activity. If you can visit their booth this Saturday and be sure to visit their website for a full list of daily activities https://downtownhouston.org/.

Personally, I have always felt connected to Market Square. When I was a preteen, I researched and created a book presentation for school on Houston’s early history. Market Square Park and the famous La Carafe bar were largely present. My father drove me to the historic sites I had chosen and insisted that I tour the inside of La Carafe, Houston’s oldest bar and first trading post dating back to 1837, located at 813 Congress St.

I have also posted additional links and information about the market this Saturday on my website at www.artvalet.com. Leave your carts at home, there is ample street and garage parking around Market Square Park.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com