News Photos by Darby Hinkley

A Meet the Maker pop-up artisan market drew a steady crowd of people downtown on Saturday. The event featured a variety of local and Michigan artisans, including Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co, at right, and Mary Anne Donadio, who makes birch bark baskets, lampshades and more, shown below right.

The event was organized by Tim and Meg Allen, owners of Chippewa Valley Mercantile & Leatherworks located on 2nd Avenue in downtown Alpena. It was the second of its kind, with the first held last fall. The Allens plan to organize more of these events in the coming months to showcase local talent and encourage activity downtown.