West Side Creative Market sets summer kickoff May 23

The Developing Artist Collaboration is gearing up for the third summer of its West Side Creative Market with a special kickoff event set for 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, at the corner of Central Street and Canal Crossing Road in West Rehoboth.

With musical entertainment by Hot Sauce Band, cocktails from the Creative Market Bar, and Grandpa Mac on site, the community will have a chance to meet and mingle with the artists, who will not be selling work that evening.

The market’s opening night is set for 5 to 9 p.m., Monday, May 29, at 19826 Central St., Rehoboth Beach. Markets will continue throughout the summer from 5 to 9 p.m., Mondays and Fridays.

What started as a dozen artists selling their work in an empty lot has grown into a beautifully designed space for locals and visitors to enjoy while sipping a cocktail, listening to live music and supporting artisans.

This open-air market has evolved rapidly in the past two years, with covered vendor booths surrounding the Creative Market Bar as well as the stage with its shipping container and neon-light backdrop. The improvements made to the space were all implemented with artists in mind, shielding them and their creations from the elements, and giving them plenty of display options. These 20 booths feature a rotating lineup of artists selling their original works including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, apparel, photography, soaps, candles, cutting boards and more.

“Since we started, Monday markets have been very popular with locals, especially our friends from the hospitality industry that are busy on the weekends,” said Pat Gallagher, DAC marketing director. “Our hope with consistent Friday markets will be to give people, especially weekenders, another option to come out for an evening of art.”

The market is free to attend. In addition to featuring artist vendors, the market will offer live music, food trucks and the Creative Market Bar serving up handmade cocktails, beer and wine. With games, DIY art projects, Magic Jack and other activities, the events offer fun for all ages.

“We started this concept in the midst of the pandemic because we recognized how important it was for artists to be able to continue to sell their work,” said Gallagher. “After three years, we continue to see the impact of giving artists and the community an opportunity to connect regularly.” DAC estimates that 137 individual artists made a total of $260,000 in sales through West Side Creative Market last year, up from $25,200 in 2021.

More new artists have already signed up to become vendors for the first time, bringing even more variety to the mix.

The market is also a way for DAC to raise funds for its artist development programming. Proceeds from the bar, merchandise and DIY projects all go back to the nonprofit's mission of elevating artists through connection, education, resources and opportunities.

DAC is seeking weekly sponsorships for this summer’s market. Sponsors will receive their own booth to use for the Monday and Friday markets of the week of their choice to promote their business. Sponsors will also be promoted live at the event, on the DAC website and on social media.

For sponsorship details, email events@developingarts.org.

For more information, go to westsidecreativemarket.com and developingarts.org.

Markets are weather dependent. Cancellations will be announced on Instagram and Facebook.