When Erick Wonderly Varela Took the Creative Leap
When Erick Wonderly Varela first arrived at the Whiteaker Community Market, they brought a folding table, three stickers, prints, and their mother's encouragement. As an artist since childhood, Erick had never thought of their craft as a business. Working full-time as a fishmonger, the market was an experiment to explore new possibilities.
Six years later, Erick is a full-time artist with murals around the community, commissioned projects, and artwork available online, in galleries, and at markets. Their journey highlights the often-overlooked value of arts markets: they offer more than just transactions. For creative entrepreneurs, markets provide a space to experiment, learn, build relationships, and gain support to transform their artistic practice into a sustainable business.
The Farmers Market Pavilion: A Hub for Creativity
At the Farmers Market Pavilion, partnerships aim to enhance the potential of arts and makers markets. With the City of Eugene providing infrastructure and services, organizations like the Lane Arts Council and the Native American Arts & Craft Makers activate these resources with intention. The result is a vibrant ecosystem where artists, makers, and community members connect.
Last year, over 1,000 distinct artists, makers, vendors, and organizations participated in Pavilion activities.
"The content is the people," says Jana Meszaros, steward for the Farmers Market Pavilion. Each brings unique aspirations, from building businesses to developing creative practices, strengthening cultural connections, or finding the courage to showcase their work for the first time. Markets cater to them all.
Building Community and Collaboration
Through her work with the Native American Arts & Craft Makers, held monthly at the Farmers Market Pavilion, Marcy Middleton has witnessed the power of market connections. As a Navajo jewelry maker, Marcy has seen artists share materials, knowledge, and encouragement, fostering friendships and collaboration. This kind of interaction can lead to deeper artistic growth and community engagement.
"Not everyone is a salesperson," Marcy shared. But when markets become welcoming spaces prioritizing relationships, trust, visibility, and connections, they empower entrepreneurs to build confidence, skill, and the necessary infrastructure.
Supportive Community, Thriving Artist
Erick understands the value of this support. Outdoor markets require specific equipment, like a weather-resistant canopy. "My first canopy was a gift from a market customer," Erick recalls. "Each sandbag I needed to secure it was given to me by different vendors at the same market." Such informal mentorship and support make entrepreneurship more accessible.
Organizations like the Lane Arts Council further support emerging artists through events like the First Friday Art Walk and its associated Artist Marketplace. These recurring events provide opportunities to experiment, build audiences, and gain business experience without the financial risks of a permanent storefront.