Maker’s Market: making artists dreams accessible

Art, music, friends and artists gathered, all in the heart of a parking garage in downtown Evanston. Evanston Made created this community-based art show, called Maker’s Market, bringing artists of all ages and experiences together.

There are plenty of art shows across Evanston and its surrounding cities, featuring extremely high-end artists with an abundance of experience and most of all, money. Founder and co-director Lisa Degliantoni took this to mind when creating the Maker’s Market. When the Evanston artist community came to Degliantoni complaining about these extremely exclusive, high stress art shows, she decided to make a change.

“What would be done if we made another expensive and stressful market,” Degliantoni says. “Who wants to participate in that?”

The Maker’s Market acts like a first step into the art selling community for many Evanston artists. Being able to break down that initial anxiety for the artists was one of Degliantoni’s original goals when creating the Maker’s Market.

In addition, Degliantoni was determined to build an inclusive community where anyone is welcomed.

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We’re really trying to help people get to know their neighbors meet new people, and then support them by buying their pieces.”

— Evanston Made founder and co-director Lisa Degliantoni

“We’re really trying to help people get to know their neighbors,” Degliantoni explains. “Meet new people, and then support them by buying their pieces.”

Being able to attract every level of artist or art-lover in Evanston is easier for the Maker’s Market. This is due to the lowkey setting that is often pleasing and more comfortable to the less experienced.

The concept of the market is an easy way to congregate those who have something in common. As an artist, junior Naomi Criz expands on her experience being a buyer at the Maker’s Market.

“Not everyone knows each other,” Criz says. “But they all come together with a common enjoyment for art.”

For the artists, representing themselves to others can often be difficult, Degliantoni notices. As humans, we always have a self-conscious voice, and this comes especially with art because of the vulnerability necessary to create.

“I do think that a lot of people are afraid of authentic pursuits,” Degliantoni explains. “They let perfection be the enemy, and they don’t think they’re good enough”.

Aiding artists into being more confident in chasing their pursuits of artistry is what Degliantoni, and the others that work at Evanston Made aim towards. Being able to bring that joy three or more times a year is something unique and made for the community.

Evanston Made and its Maker’s Market

Participants moved between booths at the Maker’s Market, looking at the work of local artists. (Natalie Weinert)

The landscape

The Evanston Maker's Market is held in a garage in downtown Evanston, and it is hosted by Evanston Made, a nearly decade-old nonprofit and membership-based Evanston arts organization with the aim of introducing people to visual artists.
The event was held by Evanston Made at the Maple Ave. parking garage in Downtown Evanston. (Natalie Weinert)

The entrance

Lisa Degliantoni founded the organization after working for the Evanston Arts Council. While there, she noticed a distinct lack of programs that introduced people to visual artists or offered studio tours. To rectify this, Degliantoni created Evanston Made alongside other volunteers to showcase the work of various artists and makers in the city.
The booths displayed a wide variety of art, from paintings to woven baskets. (Natalie Weinert)

The programs

Evanston Made has an array of programs throughout the year. Some are members-only and more are open to the public, but the Maker's Market is just one of the many offerings the organization has. Another is First Saturdays, which brings members of the artist community together through exhibits.
Maker’s Market brings together local artists and art-lovers in a laidback setting. (Noah Polansky)

The events

Member Mixers is another monthly event that takes place at a variety of Evanston locations where people can promote their artwork or business, introduce upcoming shows or classes and form a connection with other artists.
A rack of t-shirts in downtown Evanston at the market. (Noah Polansky)

The community

These events work successfully to build an artistic community. Evanston weaver Amy Gabbert said, "Some of my good friends now I would not have met if it had not been through Evanston Made. It’s pretty unique, and I think it’s a good testament to what can happen when you provide an opportunity for people."
Art on display featuring characters from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. (Noah Polansky)

The art

Evanston is already a thriving art community with sculptures, murals, and more, and the fact that Evanston Made can take talented artists to the next level is astounding. Take June Ahleman, an Evanston Made member since she was in sixth grade, who now creates detailed portraits ranging from four to eight feet tall.
People walking through the Maker’s Market. (Noah Polansky)

The individual

Inclusivity is another aspect highly valued by the organization, and the process to join is very simple. Click a couple of buttons on Evanston Made's website, and the team will review the request. It's not an application, and they aren't looking for a portfolio. Instead, the organization assesses each unique expertise to best support the individual.
The view of downtown Evanston outside the Maker’s Market. (Noah Polansky)

The sights

Evanston Made turns ten years old next year, and the Maker's Market is just one of the many opportunities they offer to make Evanston one of the most artistically diverse cities in the area. While they have more room to improve, Evanston Made has its sights set on success.