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During the early days of Covid, Heather put a lot of thought into how to create a safe outdoor market. The idea was to celebrate art and encourage community by providing a market for artisan vendors, participatory art activities, local music, and play. The result was the first Calico Makers Market in spring of 2021. Since then we have had 9 amazing markets (Coming up on 10!). Our mission is to provide a welcoming place to promote art through community engagement for everyone! Calico Makers Inc. is classified as a 501c3 non profit so all of the money donated is reinvested into our programs to reach more people, help bolster the money paid to our musicians, and buy more supplies for the art activities.

 

Join us at 1141 Smith Level Road For Our FALL 2026 Calico Makers Market on October 3rd and 4th!

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Join us at 1141 Smith Level Road For Our FALL 2026 Calico Makers Market on October 3rd and 4th! //

 

Local Artisans and makers

We host over twenty local artists and artisans, many of whom are members of the Orange County Artists Guild (OCAG) or Chatham Artists Guild (CAG). We have painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, sauciers, photographers, illustrators, and many more. If you are interested in having a booth at our next market, email info@calico-studio.com for more information.

LIVE MUSIC

We’re always looking for good local music to showcase. If you’re interested in playing, send an email to info@calico-studio.com for more information. Former acts include Rhonda Robicheaux Trio, Fallow Ground, Leah Magner, Reese McHenry, Thick as Thieves, TRIO DU JOUR, the NC State Belltower Combo, Joel Keel, Red Nucleus, and Annie & DJ Kemo leading a Latin dance lesson.

ART ACTIVITIES

One to two hands-on activities at each market, Where visitors get to try their hand at making fine art. Our offerings have included: clay pinch pots, masks, dream catchers, block printing, and more!

 

COMMUNITY

The whole point of the event is building community. We wanted to provide a place where people could come together safely and enjoy each other’s company. We have a wonderful rotation of food trucks, and we’re hoping to expand to drinks in the future. In the meantime, we need volunteers to help run the show. If you’d like to help, send an email to info@calico-studio.com!

  • Parking & Site: assist with parking and setting up or breaking down the site (FREE T-SHIRT!)

  • Art Activity: help attendees make their own artistic creations

  • Gateway: welcome visitors, answer questions, and point out the events of the day (music and art activities)