Courtney Ott of Wild Fire Ceramic. Photo by Rhea Heyman
This year’s White Squirrel Artisans Market (WSAM) will take place on Saturday, August 9, from 12—5 p.m. at the Porter Center at Brevard College. The event provides a platform for local artisans, musicians and small businesses to showcase their creations while supporting community-driven nonprofit causes. Founded in 2022 by Kyzandrha Zárate and organized with the support of Billy McCoy of REMAX Land of the Waterfalls, the market has rapidly grown into a vibrant fixture in the community.
Photo by Rhea Heyman
Since its inception, the market has raised approximately $9,000 for local nonprofits, helping to support meaningful causes while promoting the work of local makers. Zárate has made a point of creating an inclusive environment where small businesses can thrive. Leading up to the event, vendors are regularly recognized on the event’s Facebook page in “Vendor Spotlight” posts.
Marci Barbey, a local artist specializing in botanical drawings who has been participating in the market since its early days, describes it as one of the best markets she’s involved with, citing the diversity of the vendors and the caliber of the venue. “Kyzandrha truly cares about each of the vendors and their success,” she says. “It’s large and it has a diverse array of artists/artisans/makers. Kyzandrha always finds the most perfect, beautiful and classy place to hold the event and she does a wonderful job of marketing it.”
Jeff Matevie, chef/owner of the hot sauce company Jalagood, will bring his two smoked, small batch hot sauces to the market. “This market gives the smaller local vendor that is trying to grow their business an opportunity to get noticed,” he says. “It’s a diverse group of local artisans that get together to showcase all of their hard work and creativity to the public.”
The Porter Center at Brevard College is located at 1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard. To learn more, find White Squirrel Artisan Market on Facebook.
