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Meet the Maker pop-up event Saturday on 2nd

News Photo by Julie Riddle Tim Allen, who co-owns Chippewa Valley Mercantile & Leatherworks with his wife Meg, talks about the Meet the Maker pop-up event happening Saturday in downtown Alpena.

ALPENA — Local artisans will display and sell their wares from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Alpena.

A Meet the Maker pop-up event, organized by Chippewa Valley Mercantile & Leatherworks, will showcase local talent in an outdoor setting on 2nd Avenue.

This spring event will include talented craftspeople from the local community and one from Grand Rapids. Artisans will feature pottery, iron work, chalk art, woodworking, creative upcycle designs, hand-forged knives, homemade baked goods, all-natural soaps and lotions, and more.

“We are trying to showcase local artisans in the area and what they can do,” said Meg Allen, who co-owns Chippewa Valley Mercantile & Leatherworks with her husband Tim Allen.

She said this is a great opportunity for people to head downtown and get some fresh air, see some demonstrations, and get some Mother’s Day shopping in, all while supporting local artisans.

“If we can keep money here in Alpena … and we can give some exposure to talented craftspeople, that’s what we’re all about,” Tim Allen said.

He said many people may not even realize how many local craftspeople and artisans are right here in our community.

“We’re all about collaborating,” Tim Allen said. “I just want to rejuvenate and do things and have more things downtown.”

This is the second Meet the Maker event organized by the Allens, who make handcrafted leather items. The last one was held last fall.

“People are a little stir-crazy from the winter, and it would be nice to be able to do something downtown where people can walk around and shop,” he added.

Wild Bill Ellison will play live music during the event, which will be held in front of Chippewa Valley Mercantile & Leatherworks, 210 2nd Ave.

Featured vendors include:

≤ Eric from Svede’s, who makes all-natural soaps, lotions, lip balms, beard butters in small batches from his Spruce area shop.

≤ Josh with Maple Ridge Woodworking, who makes beautiful and functional pieces like cutting boards and custom chess sets.

≤ Bryanna with Molly’s Market Boxes, who bakes goods and delivers them in the winter, and offers fresh organic produce in th summer and fall from her garden in Herron.

≤ Rose Bisanz from Ossineke designs and throws her own unique pottery pieces.

≤ Max Pigeon from Grand Rapids forges his own knives, inspired by the TV show Forged in Fire.

≤ Jake Idema will showcase his iron works.

≤ Rad and Happy Designs features custom tees, skirts and stickers.

≤ Lovely Little Lettering Co. offers custom artwork by Mariah.

≤ Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas features beautiful floral arrangements and more.

More pop-up artisan events will be happening during the summer and fall, Tim Allen said.

Any local artisans who are interested in participating in an upcoming Meet the Maker event are encouraged to call Tim Allen at 989-590-0263.

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