Outside the Lines

Greenville’s art scene just got much cooler with the entry of a juried art market that will showcase the best and brightest regional artisans. It’s a trend that’s taken hold in art-forward communities across the nation: The Indie Craft Parade is a juried festival that sets the standard for regional art while also promoting the talent of local creatives. For everyone else, the craft parade offers an opportunity to buy fine, often funky, handmade goods directly from the artists themselves.

If you’ve ever ventured on to Etsy.com—the addictive handmade-goods Web site that offers everything from custom stationery to retro baby onesies—only to emerge hours later overwhelmed by the vast universe of hand-crafted merchandise, then the Indie Craft Parade is your mothership. In fact, Etsy—along with G Magazine and the non-profit vision organization Greenville Forward—is partnering with Indie Craft Parade to promote the event locally and regionally.

“Our goal is to provide an accessible venue for both new and experienced artists to showcase their handmade goods, as well as a way to introduce people to the artists who live and work in their communities,” offers Indie Craft Parade organizer Elizabeth Ramos.

So mark your calendar: The first annual event will be held at the historic Huguenot Mill in Greenville’s downtown, Sept. 10-11, with free admission to the public. Not only will festival-goers get to peruse some of the funkiest, inspired artwork around, they can watch participating artisans perform live demonstrations of their skilled craft—think wood carving, iron welding, and various forms of fiber art from knitting to felting.

Better yet, if you’re a crafter or artisan originating from the Southeast, be part of the show by submitting an application. But time is running out: Artist applications will be accepted through midnight June 18.

This is one “parade” that marches to the beat of a different drummer. And that’s something to look forward to, for sure.

For more information or to download an artist application, visit www.indiecraftparade.com or email info@indiecraftparade.com.

For a complete listing of upcoming cultural events in and around Greenville, visit www.gvillemag.com.