Participating artists and visitors alike enjoy the intimate and fun environment of the Ooh La La Curiosity Market, held in downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park. Under many colorful umbrellas, you’ll find more than a dozen local artists in mediums such as painting, leathersmithing, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and photography, among others.
Now in its fifth season, the market will take place May 14, 21, and 28; June 4 and 11; July 2, 9, 16, and 23; August 13 and 20; September 3, 17, and 24. Every Saturday in October, the market continues as Ooh La La’s Holiday Bazaar. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Three musical acts will perform at each event at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Each week, artists donate items for a raffle basket. Raffle tickets are $3 each or two for $5. “La La” stands for “Local Artists and Local Animals.”
Chelsea Morning, of The Curiosity Shoppe in Black Mountain, created the market as a way to showcase artists’ goods and also to give back. A portion of vendor fees and all raffle proceeds benefit Animal Haven, a nonprofit animal welfare organization in East Asheville that has a special focus on farm animals.
“We basically have created a little family,” says Chelsea. “Many good friends have been made throughout the years. I also love giving new and emerging artists a platform to show their work. Every year we have returning customers who look forward to seeing us.”
This will be the third year of participation for textile artisan Lonie “YaYa” Wenning, of YaYa Originals. She creates upcycled one-of-a-kind wearable art. Says YaYa, “The best thing about Chelsea’s market is that she only lets local artists/artisans in her market. Everything has to be handmade.”
Jerry Long, who works under the name of BongoJerry, makes whimsical art, primarily using acrylics on canvas or wood. He loves the opportunity to engage with attendees and tell the story of his art.
