nature+nurture maker’s market returns Saturday for 4th annual celebration of makers, nature, creativity and community
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This year's market features more than 30 vendors and community guests, wrapping the downtown block around nature+nurture. Highlights include The Ohio State University Department of Entomology's interactive United Titanium Bug Zoo, a walk-in butterfly tent by Beech Creek Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve, Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center, reptiles and amphibians by Komara Outdoors, On Target Archery, gemstone mining by Moonstone Gem Mining, hands-on artmaking with The Studio of Fine Arts and Jen's Paint Cellar, Deep Roots Native Nursery, The Burchfield Homestead Society, local makers, artists, photographers, woodworkers, fiber artists, sourdough bakers, fly-fishing demonstrations, and many other small businesses and organizations.
A signature feature of the event is its celebration of kidpreneurs, where young entrepreneurs showcase and sell their handmade creations alongside established makers. New this year is the nature+nurture Community Storytellers Initiative, led by Macey Austin Creative, where photographer and storyteller Macey Austin will guide children and teens in becoming the event's official community storytellers through photography, video, interviews and observation.
Visitors can also enjoy live music on the Allen Freed Stage in McCulloch Park as part of Freed Fest, featuring Bearcat Acoustic and local student singer-songwriter Payden Bello, while shopping makers including La Petite Crochet LLC, Wild Roots & Muddy Boots, Red Lightning Custom Woodworking, Olive & Ivy Boutique, SAF Apothecary, Stem and Petal Co., Buttercup's Kitchen Sourdough, Sauceeino Restaurant & Mobile, and many more.
The event also offers visitors a first look inside nature+nurture's new home at 553 E. State St. While the bookstore is still putting the finishing touches on its expanded space, guests are invited to browse the growing collections and get a sneak peek at what's ahead, including expanded book collections, nature study resources, gifts, cozy reading spaces, and a new classroom for workshops and educational programming, which will host the live OSU United Titanium Bug Zoo during the event.
"There is always so much anticipation leading up to this day. It feels like a nature+nurture reunion of everyone who has supported this little-shop-that-could," said owner Tricia Ross. "The maker's market began as a way to give back to the community that has formed around the shop. Every year it brings together makers and creatives, young and old, families, and nature organizations around the passions that built nature+nurture. We're excited to welcome everyone into our new space, even as we continue putting the finishing touches on it."
The event is free and open to the public.
For information, visit naturenurture.shop or follow @shopnaturenurture on Facebook and @nature--nurture--shop on Instagram.