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Must Visit: 33 Artists’ Market

Supporting the arts is more than just a sentiment; it’s a way of living. For local makers, it is also their way of making a living, and it can be very challenging to sustain their businesses. That’s where markets come into play, but locally owned and operated markets aren’t all created equally. Lauded local artist Gwyn Pevonka has been a professional artist since 2011, and saw the need for a different kind of market experience that was family-friendly with a beautifully curated collection of artists from a variety of backgrounds from established to emerging.

“I feel like I applied and took part in a lot of markets. With each market I participated in, I kept on making lists of “I would do this differently, or I wish the culture was different, or the smoke is unbearable,” Gwyn says. Spokane Public Library has an artists’ residency program at The Hive, and Pevonka immediately knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to engage the arts community. That’s when she decided to utilize her “community outreach program” funding as a part of her residency to create the 33 Artists’ Market. She explained, “I wanted to change the culture of how we set up, vend/hustle, pack up, leave and continue this cycle of just attending markets and feeling still alone as a creative. I wanted to create a true community.”

Read all about The Hive and Gwyn Pevonka’s participation here: Spokane Libraries Become Libraries of the Future

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This year, the market will be monthly to allow for more artists to be featured. We are thrilled to see this market grow – not just for the opportunity it presents for artists to showcase their work, but for the chance to invest back into this vibrant community. It’s a cycle of support and celebration that fuels my passion for the arts and for Spokane. When you buy art from a vendor, you’re not just acquiring a piece of beauty; you’re nurturing a thriving ecosystem of local talent. The practice of supporting local artists not only enriches our living spaces but also weaves the fabric of our community tighter, spotlighting the importance of investing in creativity that resonates with our own stories.

The importance of high-quality arts events cannot be overstated. They inspire, connect, and elevate our community, allowing us to showcase our passions and interact with the public in meaningful ways. This year’s 33 Artists Market is a testament to that belief, featuring a mix of emerging talents and established artists who bring a diverse range of perspectives and artistry to the table.

Each artist participating brings something unique to the market, enriching our collective experience and offering the community a glimpse into the vast array of talent nestled in the Pacific Northwest. The 33 Artists Included in the upcoming show at the Wonder Building Saturday on March 23rd 11am-5pm are: Pro Photo Northwest, Melin Art, 2232 Ceramics, Morgen Morgan, Christian Benoit Design & Jenny Benoit, Megan Perkins ArtUnseen Sights Art, A.Wyckoff Handmade Jewelry, Hasty Faun, Ink & Honey Co., Mo Stach Studios, Earth & Venus Pottery, Nicole Hague, Faible Art Glass, R&P Paperie, Essentially Chi, Takako’s Pottery, B. Pozzitive Bags, Drye Goods, Lauren Urlacher Art, Linnea Tobias, The Grain Mill, Caleb Walsh Sonder & Scribe, LLC, Makayla Sotin Design, Lazy Eye Supply / Local Knits, Madeline Goolie, Danni Oakley, Pochfad, Aaron Smith, Jorden Heidl, Keith Harrop and Meghan Jones- Studio MBJ.

What makes 33 Artists Market Unique?

33 Artists Market is a small curated art market that brings all artists together from many stages of their career; from established to emerging- everyone has a place to belong to the community. The goal of the market is to be known as an artist, to create community, and celebrate the many talented artists from Spokane and surrounding PNW artists.

Why the number 33? Well, this passion project was accomplished when Gwyn was 33 years old, but also 33 artists allows them to stay small and have it be an intimate experience— where no one gets lost in the crowd. Gwyn says, “I’ve attended many markets where there are hundreds of artists and you just feel like a small speck – but with 33 Artists Market each artist is celebrated, cared for, and seen. The reason I took this on was because I felt there wasn’t an art market that was completely art- focused. There are SO many talented artists in Spokane and I wanted to have an art market specifically for fine artists.”

Also with moving here from the South our weather was way different, I also felt there needed to be an “indoor only market” All the markets I love in Spokane are outside; like Manito Art Festival, BaZaar, and Art on the Green— but sometimes art and weather don’t mix. 33 Artists Market will always be indoors, one less thing that the artists have to worry about. 

Read more from Gwyn Pevonka in Trending Northwest with her interview of artist Hazel Miller here: “The Act of Painting is a Dance” – A Conversation with Hazel Miller

How Gwyn Pevonka Began Her Journey in the Arts

Back in 2016, Gwyn officially stepped into the art world, though she’d been dancing with creativity long before that, since 2011 to be exact. Moving to Spokane in July 2021 opened up a whole new adventure, full of excitement and the thrill of what’s next. Local art markets welcomed Gwyn with open arms, but there was this little voice inside her saying, “We can do more, something deeper, something that really gets to the heart of what it means to be an artist.”

“I studied Painting and Sculpture in college and always knew I wanted to be a part of the arts. My background has been in art programming. I have 12+ years experience; Art Teacher, Art Director, Art Coordinators but my passion has also been in teaching the youth (middle school & high school) that being an artist isn’t a financially stupid job. But I think over the years the outreach has changed from youth to peers and I just want to encourage others that they CAN be an artist!

I want to walk alongside you as your personal cheerleader– yelling “YES YOU CAN!” from the sideline of our artistic career. I want to help other artists fight imposter syndrome and create a community of artists that lift each up and push each other forward! I will support the arts always; saving up to buy originals and slinging “high fives” to anyone who wants one! I believe in you!”

Gwyn’s Role As a Leader in the Arts Community

“My artists are not just numbers on my vendors list;  my artists are peers, colleagues, friends and my community. I want to make sure everyone is taken care of from the moment they are accepted, to the weeks leading up, to the day of, to the actual event, to the end…. Who needs help, what can I carry, how can I help make this a successful market for every single one of my artists. 

I really care about the artists as individuals— not just these are the vendors in my market. My artists are humans with souls, with stories, with passions and I want to facilitate an environment of acceptance and appreciation. 33 Artists Market values you as a creator  and what you are making matters here!”

Gwyn was really driven by the idea of creating a space just for fine artists. Spokane’s got this incredible pool of talent just waiting to be showcased in a way that crafts and other goods can’t quite match. Taking a cue from the Maker City motto, Gwyn tweaked it to fit their vision: “We help makers make an independent living doing what they love.” That’s the heart of the 33 Artists Market, creating more chances for fine artists to shine and make a living from their passion.

Gwyn’s journey through the arts, from studying Painting and Sculpture to various roles in art programming, has always been about lifting others up and spreading that creative cheer. Stepping into a leadership role in Spokane’s arts community just felt right, giving Gwyn the chance to foster a place where every artist feels valued and heard.

As the 33 Artists Market gears up, Gwyn’s bubbling with excitement not just for the amazing artwork that’ll be on display but also for the chance to keep fueling Spokane’s art scene with positive vibes and critical support. This market is Gwyn’s way of showing how much she believes in the power of art to bring people together, inspire change, and sprinkle a little more beauty into our lives. “So buy my art, so I can buy their art” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the spirit of community and mutual support that makes the 33 Artists Market a real gem in Spokane. Through this story, Gwyn hopes to share the magic of coming together as artists and art lovers to create something truly special.

“So buy my art, so I can buy their art!”

– Gwyn Pevonka

33 Artists’ Market will be tomorrow from 11am-5pm on Saturday March 23rd at the Wonder Building at 835 N. Post Spokane, WA 99201. For more information, check out their Facebook event page here.

Erin Peterson, Editor-In-Chief

Erin Peterson grew up in Post Falls, Idaho and became a professionally certified educator – earning the Provost’s Award for academic achievement and community service from Lewis-Clark State College. Now she is an award-winning local influencer, podcaster and digital strategy educator with a passion for equity and inclusion. Erin has been published and featured in a wide variety of local publications including the Spokesman Review, The Inlander, and has served as an editor at Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living magazine. If you want to learn more about how she is making an impact right here in the Northwest, give her a follow on Instagram at @trending.northwest or Trending Northwest on Facebook.

Read all of Erin’s articles on TNW here.

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