TWAC Holds Young Makers Market at Market Street: Talented Artists Display/Sell their Creations

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- For the second year, The Woodlands Art Council sponsored a wonderful event where young artists from 9-18 (3rd - 12th grade) vie for a booth to hock their wares. It was cloudy, but muggy this past Saturday, and TW’s Market Street was filled with 40 students, eager to show off their art, to answer questions, and even sell their pieces. Just to be invited to Market Square is an honor for these young artists, after going through the TWAC selection process where nearly 100 young artists competed for 40 slots. The art is reasonably priced coming from young hands, and each artist has different ideas in regards to the sales of their pieces. For one young lady, it‘s buying ballet shoes; for others it’s buying more supplies to make their creations; a few save their money, while others buy tablet computers or game gear, and the possibilities are limitless. Interestingly, very few of the participants want to explore art as a career, which is reasonable, seeing as the success rate is hit and miss, and having a back-up just in case is more than acceptable.

The students’ art was diverse and flew in all directions, from knitters and crocheters, to those who sketched and painted, to those who created digital prints, to artificial flower creation, Christmas ornaments, ear rings, necklaces, bracelets, original art writing tablets, photographs, yarn art, light catchers, original board games and comic book art, flower prints, and even handbags. A few kids were art history students as well, and their art reflected some of the greats such as Vincent Van Gogh, and even art movements such as Rococo from the 18th Century. There were many themes that the artists displayed, mostly innocent, but for a few, you could detect the impact of personal experience in regards to melancholy, which no child should be subject to, but it happens, and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it.

“We held a workshop for the students to get them ready for the Young Makers Market,” said Nancy Charbonneau, TWAC Board Secretary. “The program is designed as a way to promote and foster a love for art.”

Each artist had a story, and a purpose to their art. They hailed from all points around the planet. From Scandinavia, to The Netherlands, to Brazil, all Montgomery County housed, with a few in a close-by Harris zipcode, and each shared different attitudes in how they presented their pieces. Personalities differed from shy to open and receptive, eager to answer questions, and make sales. The younger kids were often asked to speak up, and encouraged to excel in their emotive efforts, which improves their young communication skills to better communicate with visitors who view their art.

Several booths featured sisters or friends, there was a good mix of homeschoolers versus public schools students, and their initial delvings into the art game varied from age 2 on up, with some teenagers having only started just over a year ago. Most had their artistic influences from parents, aunts/uncles, to several developing their talents on their own.

The Woodlands Arts Council created the Young Makers Market last year as a way to encourage creativity amongst young artists in the area. It’s an art fair, yes, but there is a process that the artists must go through to be able to gain a coveted seat at Market Street. TWAC requires parents/guardians must be residents in Montgomery County, submit three (3) images of the works they intend to sell at the market fair, and make themselves available for workshops, the Young Makers Market, and a possible rainout date. For those accepted, they will be provided with a t-shirt, snacks, and other supplies during the event. For the participants in the August workshop, activities stress the celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community, which is a way to impart to the students that there are numerous aspects to art, not just in its creation, but its stewardship is the conducting of business with entities involved in its display, and sales. Some students even receive commissions based on their talent and the potential to create requested works of art to grace the walls of patrons’ homes.

Several students who exhibited their art also ran non-profit organizations. College Park High School student Madeline Rice, 17, runs ‘A Better Tomorrow Montgomery County,’ with its mission to support families, inspire youth, and build the community. She created ‘The Woodlands Coloring & Activity Book,’ a 40 page book that features hand drawn illustrations of beloved landmarks, public art benches, and community spaces, which is paired with activities and snippets of local history.

“It’s my vision to help children imagine themselves in real, nearby places of joy and beauty,” said Rice. “It gives recipients a window of hope beyond hospital walls.”

A representative from The Maker Barn in Magnolia visited each of the booths. The non-profit is an art related organization that houses wood and metalworking tools, as well as lasers, 3D printers, craft tools, and other media in art that may interest young artists Van Gogh’s. It was refreshing to see a former judge associated with the TWAC YMM event, really encourage one artist who was particularly good at her craft, to apply for scholarships and to not lose focus in her creative efforts.

In fact, MCN commissioned a piece of a certain far away wall that the artist is more than capable of bringing to life. Amber De La Torre, 16, who attends College Park High, is exceptional in channeling still lifes, and a certain artist, Vincent Van Gogh. Her Starry Night inspired pumpkin drawing, ‘Vince’s Pumpkin Patch,’ was purchased by MCN for $20 over asking, in recognition of the unique rethinking of the Van Gogh concept.
“I take art history in school,” said Amber, who is eyeing neurology as a possible career. “The different movements I’ve studied have inspired me.”

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

Photos