The Methow Makers Market, a monthly gathering of local artisans selling their works in downtown Winthrop’s Confluence Park, got a nod of support from the Town Council last week.
Phoebe Rudd – a local jewelry artist and salon owner – organized the market, which included seven vendors at its June 20 debut. Appearing remotely at the council’s online meeting, Rudd said the next market is scheduled for July 18 from 3-7 p.m. Others are tentatively scheduled for Aug. 15, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10.
The council approved Rudd’s application for the market way back in November 2019, so it has been in the planning stages for a while.
Councilmember William Kilby said he had heard a concern that having the art vendors in the small park on Riverside Avenue would make the space too crowded to enjoy. He said he was concerned about setting a precedent for future requests of a similar nature.
“It’s a great place for tourists to take a break from the hustle and bustle,” Kilby said.
Mayor Sally Ranzau said that if the market was every Saturday, rather than once a month, it might present more of a problem.
As to a precedent, council member Joseph O’Driscoll said that “we can make that decision as a council” if another request arises.
Councilmember Bill McAdow said he wasn’t worried about setting a precedent. “We told them they could do it,” he said. “I’d be inclined to let it play out through the summer.”
Rudd said the 3-7 p.m. time slot was set up so as not to conflict with the Methow Valley Farmers Market in Twisp, which operates from 9 a.m.-noon each Saturday. Rudd said she also did not want the artisans’ market to interfere with the town’s most heavy traffic during the day.
“I love and respect the space,” Rudd said. She said the Makers Market is also scheduled so as not to conflict with the Winthrop Market at Mack Lloyd Park on Sundays.
Confluence Park was intended for all kinds of activities, council member Kirsten Vanderhalf said. The artists’ market is “meeting the expectations of the park,” Vanderhalf said.
Rudd owns the Bitterroot & Brass jewelry company and also operates Studio 509 salon in Winthrop.
