The safe return of local pop-up markets in Western Wake is an opportunity for shoppers and artists alike to benefit.
While shoppers are on the lookout for unique gifts this fall, artists whose business has suffered during quarantine hope to recover ahead of the holidays at socially-distanced events held by Triangle Pop-Up and Pop-Up Raleigh.
“Our whole business model is to shop local,” Triangle Pop-Up Creative Director Sarah Moody said, of the events that rotate among a network of nearly 800 artists. “But especially if you can do it before the holidays, help support our community which was severely impacted by COVID, rather than those big retailers. It just means so much to pour your money back into the local economy and help them thrive.”
Triangle Pop-Up, which has upcoming stops at Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Cotton House Craft Brewers in downtown Cary on Oct. 25, resumed outdoor-only activities in early August.
Pop-Up Raleigh resumed on Sept. 19, and holds weekend events at Trophy Brewing & Taproom on Maywood Avenue in downtown Raleigh. Both Triangle Pop-Up and Pop-Up Raleigh have events nearly every weekend until Christmas.
Taylor Bragg, owner of Bragg About Art, a psychedelic art and woodworking business, is one of the artists who recently set up shop at a Triangle Pop-Up event held outside of Transfer Co. Food Hall.
Bragg moved to Raleigh in May. After losing her job due to COVID-19, her art transitioned from a way to make extra money to a full-time venture that, until recently, could only be sold online.
“They’re really important,” Bragg said of the pop-up events. “I’m a somewhat full-time artist, so coming out here and being able to meet people and be a part of the community is really, really important for sure.”
At a nearby booth, Christin King, owner of ckcreations, greeted customers while donning a mask that reads “support local artists.” This is the busiest time of the year for her.
“I get a huge majority of my custom artwork from markets for people looking for special gifts,” King said. “So this is what fuels my whole Christmas market season. I say that I’m like Santa’s helper trying to get everything done in time. So without having these markets, it would definitely thwart a lot of that business coming in.”
Safety is a priority at each pop-up event — ensuring that customers and artists can spread out. Masks are required, large open spaces ensure social distancing and hand sanitizer is available at nearly every booth.
Carolin Lehmann, a Raleigh resident who regularly attended the pop-up events before COVID-19, said the safety precautions made her feel safe enough to return to browse the art.
“I haven’t been out since March, so I just wanted to come support local businesses,” Lehmann said.
For more information about the pop-up events visit trianglepopup.com/events, facebook.com/trianglepopup and facebook.com/popupraleigh.
A Triangle Pop-Up market was held recently at Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville.
