Somerville shows some love for local artists

On February 14, 2018, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Afton Cyrus poses with the popular Raspberry Chocolate jam. ~Photos by Emily Blackwood

By Emily Blackwood

There’s a drill for last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts that most of us are aware of: roses, chocolates and wine. And while you could pick that up at the nearest grocery or convenience store, Jam Sessions offered an interesting alternative to this romantic classic.

During Somerville Local First’s February Market, the popular “Your My Jam” gift basket included Cranapple Rose, Raspberry Chocolate, and Red Wine jams. Like the classic, only better.

Hundreds of unique Valentine’s Day gifts were available from the over 40 vendors that gathered on February 11 at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.

Hundreds of people came out to attend Somerville Local First’s annual February Market.

Charged Glassworks showed off their hand blown glass pineapple planters with live air plant crowns, great for the person who thinks that have a green thumb. Little love note “pills” from 4 Good Vibes came with little pieces of paper to write your own sentimental note. And ParTea booze infusers were perfect for your broken-hearted best friend who’d rather celebrate Galetine’s Day instead.

One of the most popular stands, of course, was Chocolats Passion, where Chocolatier Catherine Wiersema was giving out free samples of her chocolates that looked like glass marbles and tasted like absolute heaven.

“This is better than that junk that’s in Nutella,” Wiersema said while handing out samples of her own homemade Hazelnut Chocolate Crème. “It’s not health food, obviously, but it’s made with organic butter and good quality ingredients.”

And that’s the point of markets like these, according to Courtney O’Keefe from Somerville Local First, to give the artists you might not see on your daily commute a chance to interact with their community.

“It’s an opportunity for artists who don’t have a brick and mortar to have a brick and mortar for the day,” she said. “That’s the least we can do for our artists.”

For more information about Somerville Local First or to stay informed about their upcoming events, visit www.somervillelocalfirst.org.

 

Rebecca Pierce shows just how tiny the little love note “pills” from 4 Good Vibes are.

 

 

Sarah Michalik understands what it’s like to be a plant murderer, which is why she sells low maintenance air plants with her hand blown planters at Charged Glassworks.

 

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