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SALT LAKE CITY — A group of Utah artists are hosting a pop-up art market for last-minute, local holiday gifts.
"I buy Christmas presents last minute, like when people say, like when it's mid December and they say, you know, like they're embarrassed that they're not done shopping. ... I'm done shopping on Christmas Eve usually," said Sydney Smith, artist and organizer.
The Procrastinators Art Market features over a dozen local artists with a wide range of items and prices. The market is designed to allow last-minute holiday shopping to be locally sourced.
"If we're spending money on things like gifts, I think there's something to it to be able to buy something that is sourced locally, or sourced in a way that you can like feel connected to and be proud of. You're like giving somebody an object that has more roots," said Smith.
Purchasing items locally made also helps support artists continue producing in the community.
"It's the coolest feeling to think that somebody might receive something that I made, and that can be a way for them to connect with me and my work, and also it's something that is in their house that's completely unique," said Smith. "It's such a kind compliment and it means so much and it helps me make this my livelihood you know without sales, the local artists that you see, you know, can't make this happen."
Some of the items at the market include ceramics, jewelry, knits, soaps, paintings, apparel, plants and stained glass art. Artisans selling vintage items or repurposed pieces are also featured in the market.
"It's a really wide range of products, even though it's artisan and handmade goods. I do think that you could probably find something for anybody at this shop, you know from kids, adults, like family, coworkers and partners. So we've got like a really good variety of inventory," said Smith.
The process of setting up a pop-up shop or art market amid the holiday season can be difficult. The holiday season is often the busiest time for local artists or artisans making it difficult to provide enough inventory for events like the Procrastinators Art Market, she added.
"I'm just really excited that I was able to connect with enough people who had enough inventory that they thought they could have that inventory in this market the weekend before Christmas," said Smith.
The event is the first hosted by Smith, who recently pursued art as a full-time career and moved to Utah.
"I kind of halfway joked yesterday when I was talking to one of the artists that this was, like, a scam for me to make friends and to meet people in their community," she laughed.
The pop-up art market is Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at 3511 S. 300 East. Attendees are encouraged to park on 300 East.
