Saturday Hangout

The Road to Artomatic is exciting, however, one cant survive on Artomatic alone.  I took some time out to hang out, a past time that is a journey all unto itself. I have heard others say, that  being an artist is a solitary profession. Not so, its only solitary when one is creating, artists like to socialize....somewhat. My Saturday hangout was Eastern Market, a place full of solitary artist in a group setting.  Its a Saturday overcast afternoon, people are bustling about, taking in the many vendors, many of them artists who come every weekend to sell their wares. You can find almost everything from fresh grown vegetables, fruits, and flowers to handmade hats, clothing, jewelery, candles, scarves, paintings, drawings, sculpture and a whole host of other eclectic items for every type of persona. 

As I made my way up the sidewalk, I took in the atmosphere, looking at everything in as I walk towards the stands. Even the inside of Eastern Market is crowded. The smells of baked goods waft through the air. The bakery has a lot of goodies that taste good on the lips, but quickly slide down to the hips. But who can resist a larger than average brownie, lemon tarts, apple fritters and fresh baked bread loafs. I walk over to my favorite vendor, an older guy who always has a way of making you smile and laugh.  He sells the good good incense, dresses, etc.  Plays old school funk like the Commodores, Ohio Players. I wanted to feature his picture, but his religious beliefs prevent that, he did let me take a picture of his space.  He is a wonderful person to talk to, he's friendly, helpful and a little flirtatious, just a pleasant man. Unfortunately, I got to Eastern Market after  4:30, vendors had started packing up, it looked like it was about to rain. He is on the corner of the Market, same place every Saturday & Sunday, go see Noora - UL Isalam.

Walking past vendors selling similar items. I come to a vendor, a sister, we have talked before.  She remembers me and is eager to show me her newest creation.  She makes jewelery out of copper and brass. I am always fascinated with her pieces.  Her pieces are a little on the large side for me, but she does have some smaller pieces.  We chat for awhile talking supplies and her process of creating. Love to patronize vendors whenever possible, so I promise to come back and buy. Stop by and see her jewelery, Artlry Dezigns, there is something for everyone there. Oh, the dog was a cute, trembling chichuaua, that wasn't a barking mini megaphone.

  

Met a few other vendors there, but most were busy breaking down their stands and really didn't want to talk anymore.  That's okay, they were friendly enough and allowed me to take pictures. There is a guy who does paintings on almost any surface, some very patriotic (see 2nd photo). Quest Arts, has the cool painted van, Author Tariiq Omari Walton and a host of others. If you can get to Eastern Market, Open Saturday & Sundays 9-5pm. FREE. The Market in the building is open Tuesday-Sunday. Accessible from the Eastern Market subway.

BTW, Check out some of the shops, too. There are a variety of  small businesses, you can quench your thirst while you sit and enjoy the view.  There are also vendors on the "lot"(school parking lot), you can find furniture, dishes, handmade rugs, mirrors, and a stand that sells all natural flava ice!

I walked around downtown trying to make a sensible dinner choice, navigating through the tourist and weekend warriors who trip me out with their " cruel to my eyes " apparel. Obviously, the lines between sleep clothes, club clothes and clothes that shouldn't leave the house have been erased. At Gallery place, someone needed their own theme music blaring to announce their arrival. Decided to spend the rest of my evening at Austin Grill, a very nice waiter named Alex, was very attentive and made what could have been a somewhat unpleasant evening very enjoyable, especially the Sangria Pomegranate Margarita thanks  for a jolly time!!

Sunday is work on my red hot mama day.  This chick is about to make my head explode, & not in a good way.  Read about that in the next installment of The Road to Artomatic.  See you next time, Same blog time, same blog channel!!