Support Local Artists at the Freedom Holiday Market

Remember our discussion about the best coffee shops in Fort Collins? If not, feel free to take a gander. If so, you already know all about The Bean Cycle, which shares a space with Wolverine Farm Publishing & Bookstore. Well, the two are not limited to sharing a building and the coffee and books therein. They also share a love for supporting local artists and the art community as a whole.

The Bean Cycle and Wolverine Farm are hosting their 7th annual Freedom Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This artisanal market will feature 15 Coloradoan makers who were carefully selected by a jury. In fact, there is a strict application process that ensures all vendors present will debut only handcrafted, unique, high quality and Colorado-made pieces.

This holiday craft fair is part of a series of markets, gallery shows and creative events occurring throughout the year, which function under a unique setup. At most events, including the Freedom Holiday Market, artists are not charged a booth fee that they are typically expected to pay at other creative expos. Instead, participating artists “pay” by sacrificing their volunteer time to help set up, clean up and promote the event. This approach encourages a sense of community collaboration and allows the market to go well as everyone is involved and invested in its success. As the Freedom Market says, “the events are everyone’s.”

Snatch a few free cookies up for grabs at the Holiday Freedom Market on December 5, and peruse the booths filled with impressive handcrafted items made right here in Colorado. This is the perfect time to get some holiday shopping done well in advance. And may we submit that a gift of this quality and character will mean all the more to your loved ones? If you just can’t wait to run your fingers through said art pieces, here’s a preview of what you might see at the Freedom Holiday Market.

Pick up an inspiring — and often hilarious — quote inscribed on pieces of wood with Lauren Larkin’s wood burning method.

Or pick up a unique ceramic piece from Fort Collins’ own Made In Ceramics.

Make your home emit winter fragrances with a soy Mason jar candle from And The People.

Grab a one-of-a-kind handmade card from PageFiftyFive and scribble a sweet note to the bike lover in your life. You know they’ll appreciate the accurately labeled bicycle.

You might just see a cardboard creature or two from illustrator and maker Allie Ogg. This girl has a wide variety of talents!

Grab a little something for yourself, and improve your quality of life in the meantime, with a holistic herbal remedy from WildWoods Wellness.

There’s something extra impressive about handwoven works. See for yourself by checking out Sarah Neubert’s weavings in the form of wall hangings and wearables.