MONUMENT, Colo. (KOAA) — More than 100 local makers, artists and small business owners will gather at Lewis-Palmer High School this weekend as the Front Range Makers Market celebrates 30 years in Monument. The indoor market runs June 27-28 and features vendors selling pottery, jewelry, clothing, home decor, specialty foods and other handcrafted goods. You can view a list of all the vendors taking part at the bottom of this article.
Organizers say the market was created to bring people together through unique shopping experiences while supporting local families, makers and entrepreneurs. The event has grown into a longstanding community tradition, drawing shoppers from across the Pikes Peak region.
For vendors such as Jill Moody-Pellegrino, owner of Second Wind Pottery, events like the Front Range Makers Market provide an important opportunity to connect directly with customers and showcase locally made products.
“If you're buying small and buying local, you're supporting families, artists, entrepreneurs,” explained Moodie-Pellegrino. “There just aren't that many opportunities in which you can take your work to sell at a venue like that.”
Moodie-Pellegrino, who has been making pottery since 1977, said she appreciates that the market offers a wide variety of products while remaining manageable for shoppers.
“I love this show because it's small enough that people can get through it without being exhausted,” she added. “But there are so many different things, different artists, there's food vendors, there's soft goods. You name it, you can find it at the Makers Market.”
The market also serves as a networking opportunity for small business owners. Moodie-Pellegrino said participation in similar events has helped her build relationships that led to gallery partnerships and new customers.
“That's how I've got my work in galleries,” she stated. “People come and say, ‘Are you interested in showing your work at our gallery?’”
Moodie-Pellegrino specializes in functional stoneware pottery, including casseroles, baking dishes and pie plates designed for everyday use.
“I've really made functional stoneware pottery my whole career,” she said. “I chose stoneware because it will last indefinitely.”
She laughed, explaining she still uses pieces she created decades ago while in college.
For shoppers, she said, buying from local makers offers something they are unlikely to find elsewhere.
“You're not going to find pieces like this in a big box store,” said Moodie-Pellegrino.
The Front Range Makers Market will be held at Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument.
Admission is $5 for adults, while children 12 and younger are admitted free.
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