A last minute gift shoppers dream! The Lithia Artisans Market is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Holiday Market at the Medford Armory, December 20-22, the weekend before Christmas. Over 60 artisans will fill the space at 1701 South Pacific Highway with handcrafted items and one-of-a-kind gifts.
In 2018 this event moved from the Briscoe ArtWing in Ashland to the Medford Armory. The show continues to grow and attract new artists and shoppers. Holiday Market is the last local gift shopping event in the region featuring locally made products. “A great opportunity for procrastinators like myself,” said show manager Marcus Scott.
This article highlights a handful of the artisans showing at this year’s Holiday Market. On the front cover of the magazine is painter Deb VanPoolen. Deb is an outdoor enthusiast, conservationist and hiker, and she brings that earth connection perspective to her work as an artist. Deb lives an artists’ life spending lots of time out in her studio, the natural world around us, painting first hand what she sees. Beautiful, vibrant pieces.
“The members of this guild work their fingers to the bone creating the handcrafted items you see on display at Holiday Market,” says Scott. “I’m happy that folks get it, shopping locally is simply a good thing to do. Community at its best.”
The hatter featured is a local treasure, Jim Young. The Hat People of Talent are a family run business from way back in the day. Jim and Carol Young were there at the beginning of the Lithia Artisans Market back in the early 1980’s. Folks at that time didn’t realize they were starting a tradition, becoming part of history. They are true artisans and their quality hats speak for themselves. Simply the best handcrafted, natural fiber hats on the west coast.
The market image in the park features the art booth of Katrina Meister. Smiling, happy people enjoying each other’s company. Katrina is a wonderfully gifted watercolor artist who creates art that speaks to our souls. She’s been part of the artisans market for decades. Her work is meditative, sometimes playful, always thought provoking.
The potter featured is Debra Gardner-Abarca. Her work is fun and incredibly varied. She is an artist first and foremost, then a potter, always exploring the possibilities of the moldable clay medium. Her sculptural pieces are amazing and show her strength as an artist. She also makes functional items like mugs and such. Join her and over 60 other artists and crafts folk at this year’s event.
The Lithia Artisans Holiday Market takes place the weekend before Christmas, December 20-22 at the Medford Armory. The show is open Friday 10-7, Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 11-4. Live music accompanies the event and entry is free to the public.
There is plenty going on to keep the kids busy as well. A caricature artist and face painter will be on site doing their thing. Roasted almonds, candies, fudge and pasties are offered in a few different booths. Food trucks will be on site.
A raffle will be held on Sunday afternoon for $100 worth of LAMA bucks which can be used to purchase items at the event or any of the Lithia Artisan Market events through the end of calendar year 2025.
