Local Creativity and Artistic Community on Display for Mechanicsburg Market Event (Live Event Coverage)

Creative energy and passion for all things handmade hummed in the air as local artists and small business owners gathered for Creative Grounds’ fourth annual Spring Marketplace event in Mechanicsburg. Stepping inside the historic building on 36 W. Main St., patrons were greeted with the scent of freshly ground coffee from Denim Coffee Co. before following signs up to the bright and airy second floor studio, where 18 vendors from as close as Mechanicsburg to as far as Jessup, Pennsylvania lined the walls and spilled out into the rear parking lot.

The family-friendly event encouraged adults and children of all ages to enjoy specialty cupcakes from Ann’s Cupcakery, premium grilled sandwiches from Mammas Meltz or fresh acai bowls from Orbit Bowls and Bites while perusing the handmade goods. Craft vendors offered a wide variety of goods including custom keepsakes from Wink & Print Keepsakes, jewelry from Personally Pearl, freshly baked goods from Sourdough Sanctuary and 100% natural soy wax candles from Fear the Beard Co. Children and teens enjoyed the hair tinsel and henna services from Jassy Henna, while adults savored the specialty spirits offered by B&G Winery and HOLLA Spirits. The studio owner, Melissa Lopez, also showcased her unique acrylic artwork under her second business, Mel Lo Designs.

All artists chatted passionately about their wares and the importance of artistic community, taking the experience a step further by sharing opportunities for customers to learn their trade, including decorating classes from Ann’s Cupcakery in Mechanicsburg and pottery classes from Mud Luv Pottery Studio in Carlisle. “Obviously I care about sales,” shared Carol Houck, consultant for the holistic skincare business Olive Tree People, “but I care more about educating people.”

The event celebrated the creative community and offered important exposure for small business owners, with many vendors hoping to return for the next market, to be announced.