The Carbon County Art League works to promote local artists and crafters, and now hosts the Makers Market on the second Saturday of every month, now through October.

The most recent market was held this past Saturday, and featured several local artists. The main emphasis is on arts, crafts, and other work that is done by humans, not by artificial intelligence.

“What we are trying to do is to build a regular market with consistency where people know that what they buy is made with human hands,” explained Marissa Strohlein of Kresgeville, secretary of the Carbon County Art League.

“We understand that a lot of artists are using generative AI; but we just wanted to carve out a space that remains for crafters and artists and people who are making their work themselves.”

Emma Baumgardner from Weissport was one of the vendors with her business, Laurel Ridge Co. She makes hand-tooled leather goods, from design to creation. Items she makes include belt buckles, earrings, pendants, key chains, wallets, and more.

“I’m trying to make this my small business,” she explained. “This is my side income right now. Eventually, I hope to make it a full-time business.”

Creativity can come at any age. Just ask Keith Sodl, who started painting at the age of 60, proving you can express creativity at any age.

“I try to encourage everybody I talk to because, when I was 59, I had no idea I had any of this in me,” Sodl said, gesturing to the many oil and acrylic paintings he had on display.

“I try to go to mostly art shows; but any time you can help a community, especially something getting started like this.”

The Carbon County Art League plans to hold the Makers Market on the second Saturday of each month up to and including October. They started small; but want to bring in more vendors for future shows.

“I think it’s very important to promote community here, to promote the business community here, to promote togetherness here,” Strohlein stated. “This is a really lovely town, and it has so much potential, and so many amazing things have been happening here.”

Visit the website CarbonCountyArt.com to learn more about renting a space at the next Makers Market on Aug. 8.

There are also reserved spaces that are free for members of the Carbon County Art League, and discounts for those who belong to another art league.

Nonprofits can set up for free.

The intention is to reinvest these vending fees into hiring local artists, musicians, and performers for community events and projects.