Last Saturday, my roommate and I braved the elements to get out and do some local Christmas shopping. The Foundry’s Second Saturday sale was on the top of our list.
Driving down Northampton Street, it was easy to see how this artisan workspace and business incubator has become a hub of activity in the neighborhood. Despite the continuous heavy snowfall and slushy streets that would usually keep folks inside on a Saturday, the quiet residential street was packed with cars parked outside the building.
Coming in out of the cold was like entering another world. The unassuming industrial space tucked away in this quiet East Side neighborhood was overflowing with activity, conversation, and music. Tables were lined up throughout the main area with artisans selling everything from handmade wooden children’s toys to homemade fudge and jewelry. In the back corner, an artist was hosting a live demonstration, creating hand-blown glass ornaments right there in front of us. Live music flowed from the area next to him, blending beautifully with the buzz of conversation filling the giant room.
One of the best parts about attending these events is the opportunity to wander back into the artisans’ workshops and meet the people who are breathing life into this building. You can tour their studios and even sign up to take a class from them. You’ll quickly learn that the Foundry isn’t just dedicated to those who rent space there – it’s a center for learning and community-building.
The good news to those who missed last Saturday’s event – you have another opportunity to check out the space and finish up your holiday shopping. The Foundry will be open this Saturday, December 21 from noon to 3 p.m. for the Next to Last Minute BUY LOCAL Gift Market.
Unique gifts for sale/vendors will include:
- Signature cocoa, mistletoe and ornaments from The Kissing Museum
- Take-home soups, breads and boozy cakes by blissFULLbelly
- Natural soaps and scrubs by Azariah’s Innocence
- Prints, books, ‘zines and more by printmaker Caitlin Cass
- Fuzzies, woolies and supplies by KnitCore
- Artist and printmaker, Pat Kewley
- Sunnyoutside, Book Publisher of chapbooks and handmades
- Lovely objects for your home by Nelle Design
There will also be a space dedicated to collecting donations for the Central City Café, which has been serving free meals to those in need for over 20 years. Needed items include nonperishable food items, toiletries or vegetable seeds to contribute to the Café’s garden.
They’ll have plenty of caroling, cider, cocoa and coffee to keep you in the holiday spirit, too. While you’re there, be sure to take a stroll through the artisan workspace and check out the class postings. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself back at 298 Northampton before long.
For more info on Saturday’s gift market, visit the Facebook page.