Michigan Makers Market Draws Crowds For Early Holiday Gifts and Live Art Shows

Thousands flocked to The Hawk in Farmington Hills last Saturday. Artists showed off their work while skilled hands brought new pieces to life right before visitors' eyes.

The crowd hit 3,000 strong as buyers hunted for one-of-a-kind gifts, said Karla Aren, who runs arts programs for Farmington Hills. Tables brimmed with art—including shining metalwork, soft wool creations, bright paintings, and smooth clay pieces.

"This is a cool opportunity to get personalized gifts. Things that you can't find online. Things that you can hold and touch and really feel," Aren said per ClickOnDetroit. She added, "You get to talk to the artists, to the people who actually made them."

The items caught many eyes. Renee Baumgratner spotted something special, "This is really cute. I bought a pillow and you stick a book in there so it's like your cozy little book. We passed it and came back and got it," as per ClickOnDetroit.

Artists didn't just sell—they created. Painter Shadia Derbyshire worked as crowds watched. "Part of the joy of making artwork is to create something new for me so rehashing the same thing wouldn't be as much fun," said Derbyshire to Click On Detroit. She continued: "But there's also a nuisance in the paper it's not like a paintbrush you could emulate there's randomness in it so you can't ever re-create it."

Winter sales make or break most small shops. Eight out of ten count on holiday buyers to turn a profit, based on Small Business Association data.

"When you buy local art, you put food on an artist's table," Aren said, according to ClickOnDetroit. She underscored the fact that each purchase helps to keep Michigan's art scene alive.

The Hawk, a busy spot in Farmington Hills, picked each artist with care. Only the best Michigan-made works made the cut.