Artisans, crafters and makers will soon have a golden opportunity to interact with their community.

The Carbon County Art League will host a Maker’s Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lehighton Amphitheatre & Park every second Saturday from May through October.

It’s for human-made, AI-free art and products, said Marissa Strohlein, event coordinator and creator.

Strohlein added there will be an open mic in the amphitheatre, a free art supplies give-and-take station, vendors, food, lawn games and various classes/activities.

Strohlein, who also serves as secretary of the Carbon County Art League, explained the core intent of the event.

“The primary focus is that this is a vendor fair and craft market for people who actually make things,” Strohlein said. “There’s a lot of AI being used in art spaces; we’re trying to bring the focus back to people that make things.”

Strohlein said a key aspect is making it “extremely inexpensive” to vend, with the cost $25 for a 10-foot by 10-foot vending space, or $10 for a 5-foot by 5-foot space.

She added there are also reserved spaces that are free for members of the Carbon County Art League.

“The goal is to use funds raised to hire performers and artists and musicians for community events and projects,” Strohlein said. “We want it to be something for the community to come out and see what people are making; make it a family-friendly community thing.”

Strohlein, who noted she volunteers in Lehighton for the major events, described what made the venues in the borough stand out as the location to host the event.

“Lehighton is such a beautiful community and it has so much going for it, and I would love to see people enthusiastic about using the park and amphitheatre, see what local artists are actually making and local musicians are actually coming up with; just getting people together to interact,” she said. “I want a chance for artisans and crafters and makers to come and be able to make money without having to spend (a lot of money) to have a vending spot.”

Strohlein said it’s essential to “create an opportunity for artisans and makers to make money and support themselves.

“These things are important; these people need to support themselves,” she said. “We want to create a place for when people go there, these were all made by human hands (with creativity and effort); there should still be places where these things are appreciated.”

Strohlein said anyone interested in a vending application, or who would like to volunteer may visit carboncountyart.com.

“Art is important, the creation of art is important, and the appreciation of art is important,” she said.

Carbon County Art League is a nonprofit organization that supports the arts and artists in and around Carbon County.

Carbon Copy

Strohlein said the Carbon County Art League is also starting a local zine called Carbon Copy and accepting illustrations, comics, poetry, writing (both creative and opinion pieces up to 1,500 words), etc.

The pages are 5 by 5 inches, though they do accept spreads measuring 10 by 5 inches as well.

Digital archives will be in color, whereas printed copies will be in black and white.

For a donation toward printing costs, you can request that your submission be printed in color.

Sponsorships are available. For a donation toward printing costs, your business can be featured as the zine’s sponsor.

Physical copies may be given to the Palmerton Library or the Dimmick Memorial Library. Digital submissions may be emailed to secretary@carboncountyart.com.

You may also reach out to secretary@carboncountyart.com if you own a business and would like to make copies of the Carbon County Art League’s zine at available at your location.