Weekly Logan Circle Event Runs through November
It’s finally spring, and Logan Circle is kicking off the season by bringing a mix of fashion, jewelry, art and specialty foods to the heart of the city with it’s third annual DC MEETMarket, an outdoor community event hosted by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The market features 40 vendors with a mission to engage the D.C. community by showcasing and supporting local small businesses, artists and designers.
“We want to make it more of an experience to support local businesses and engage the public in the educational attributes that we have,” said Virginia Arrisueno, manger of the market and founder of DeNadaDesigns. Arrisueno, along with her husband and local artist Kelly Towles, spearhead the event each month with a passion for providing a community experience for Washingtonians.
Anjali Sunderam, a hand-painted glass vendor, thinks that since Arrisueno took over the market last year, the monthly event has greatly improved. “She has done a lot to bring more traffic into the market,” said Sunderam. “I do at least four markets each season for my business Sovereign Treasures, and I can say I’ve built up a great client base.”
The DC MEETMarketalso brings an entertainment vibe to the market with live art and music shows. Artist No Kings Collectiveis scheduled to return to each market, holding vibrant public art exhibits and communal craft workshops for children and adults. In the afternoon, the smell of sweet treats fill the air and the parking lot turns into a community dance floor with local DJ’s spinning a mix of “Funkadelic” tunes each month. “It’s the perfect creative combination,” said Towles.
Ben Droz, Logan Circle resident and photographer, enjoys the MEETMarket because he gets to hang out and catch up with old friends. “Its not just about buying things from the vendors,” said Droz. “You see people you know, hang out and connect with the vendors at each booth.”
Kathleen Stack, owner of Stitch and Rivet, agrees that the market holds true to its name and is the perfect place to network. “I always go to the market with the plan to meet as many new people as possible,” she said. As a returning vendor, Stack looks forward to the market each season. “I decided to come back this year because of the sense of community the monthly markets holds,” said Stack. “I just love the feeling of being a part of a bigger community of crafters and shoppers.”
Located in a parking lot at 15th and P Street NW, the DC MEETMarket is the first Saturday monthly thru November. The market is open from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to the public, but don’t be alarmed when you see pint-sized pooches strolling around, the market is also pet-friendly!