On Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, the Marshall Handmade Market is returning to its original home at Marshall High Studios for its 16th year. The return marks a significant milestone for the historic school building on Blannahassett Island that suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Helene. Sarahbeth Larrimore, owner of Odonata Farm and co-director of the Marshall Handmade Market, offered her property as an alternative venue for the two years of rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.
“The warmth, beauty and generosity I experienced from my neighbors coming together to offer their fields for parking, to everyone’s collective work and care moving the market for two recovery years to our farm—it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Larrimore says.
Photo by Eliza Bell
What began as a small market organized by artists working at Marshall High Studios has grown into a major annual gathering, drawing visitors from neighboring states to shop for handmade goods by regional makers. Marshall High Studios has also become a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting affordable opportunities for artists, giving the building a renewed role in the region’s creative community.
“We expect our long anticipated return to Marshall High Studios to be a jubilant celebration of community and the arts like no other Marshall Handmade Market has seen before,” Larrimore says. “In addition, the majority of Marshall High Studio artists are opening their doors for the weekend. The public will get a personal view into the work, love and repair that has been poured into the historic school.”
Textile artist Rachel Elise Aughtry has participated in markets for nearly two decades, but considers the Marshall event uniquely personal. “The Marshall Handmade Market really feels like a family reunion,” she says. “Each year, I recognize folks that come to the market every year—I get to catch up on their year, hear how they are loving the bag they purchased last year and show off the new things I’ve made. For such a successful and well-attended event, it feels very intimate.”
This year, Aughtry will bring her handprinted and handwoven bags, collaborative pieces created with Solstice Handmade and handwoven wall hangings. She also plans to demonstrate weaving on a small table loom, giving visitors a chance to see the process behind her textile work.
Other participating makers will offer opportunities to observe traditional and contemporary craft techniques, while food vendors, a coffee wagon and baked goods from OWL Bakery will round out the weekend.
“Because we have limited space in Marshall High Studios, this juried market packs a lot of punch in each corner,” Larrimore says. “You’ll get a glimpse into how local crafts folk and artists make their wares. It’s a magical weekend.”
The Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Marshall High Studios is located at 15 Blannahassett Island Road, Marshall. Learn more at MarshallHandmadeMarket.com.
