**UPDATE** The Tacoma Night Market has a new permanent location!
It’s no secret Tacoma is full of creative people making awesome stuff. The fact they all gather up in a beautiful old brick building on Pac Ave every month is not quite so well known, however.
It happens the first Saturday of every month 5-10 PM and this coming Saturday, July 7th, will be the third one.
The Tacoma Night Market is the first of its kind here and was started by Leah Morgan, professional social butterfly and owner of Nap Northwest. It takes place on the first floor of Alease Frieson’s, On Point; Booking, Events, MGMT LLC, headquarters at 734 Pac Ave. See updated location info.
The Drake Building is a perfect venue for an artist/maker market. With a nice hand-painted sign on the front and some bitchin’ neon art from Galen Turner, the space became one of the best spots to be on a Saturday night.
Leah’s concept for the market was based on years of past experiences at other markets around the region. This really becomes apparent when you see it in person. The whole place feels like a party thrown for everyone in Tacoma: tasty food truck snacks out front, a bar in the back, and a whole bunch of Class-A ambiance in-between makes for a Saturday night well spent.
The bar raises money for various non-profits and was generously stocked by beer donations from Rainier and 7 Seas. The first two Night Markets raised money for Radio Tacoma and this one will be benefitting Beacon Glass Center.
Every Night Market is a little bit different, but here’s a few examples of artists who have participated in the last two events with statements from their Etsy shops:
Gretchen McAllister Splendor & Stone
“Born and raised in the PNW, I am often inspired by the beauty around me. From a very young age I have always loved anything artsy/crafty. ANYTHING. I am happiest when I am creating. I have an adorable little girl who is currently my muse and my world.”
Alexis Devine Squirrel Vs. Coyote
“I want my designs to make women feel powerful, to unleash potential, and to help safely express vulnerability. The future is now. I want my work to embody a sense of forward movement and expressive individuality. I spend a lot of time collaborating with other artists. I’m always astounded by how much creativity surrounds me.”
Ashley Lasseigne Zydeco and Jazz
“Inspiration comes to me in the form of art. It’s something I’ve always been very passionate about! With an extensive background in decorative painting and the arts, I’ve created a line of linen fabrics based off of my art work. I’ve always played around with the idea of having people actually wear my art. What better way than designing my own line of clutches and cross-bodies!
“So, I broke out the sewing machine and started creating what is now known as ‘Zydeco and Jazz.’ Named after my furry (Labradoodle) brother and sister who found it quite amusing to take pieces of my clutches and run while I was working on them.”
Come on by the Tacoma Night Market on Saturday and say hello. Grit City Magazine will be there with some fun stuff of our own. Check our Facebook and Instagram for a few sneak peeks.
You can keep up with the Night Market on Instagram @tacomanightmarket. Check the Facebook event page for more details.
Photos by Taylor Jones, Sierra Hartman, and Leah Morgan
