Young artists show their work at Kids Maker’s Market in Fairview

FAIRVIEW, N.C. (828newsNOW) —

Asheville might be world famous for its arts, but there are creative spirits to nurture in surrounding towns, too.

That will happen this weekend in Fairview, where a Kids Maker’s Market is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at Root Cause Farm, 26 Joe Jackson Road.

“The event is going to be a showcase of kid creations. They’re all 12 and under vendors,” said founder Ashley Haywood. “These are kids that really don’t have a lot of opportunity to learn entrepreneurship and take their creativity to a level where they can sell their items.”

This is the third WNC Kids Maker’s Market orchestrated by Haywood, who lives in Fairview. She sees the events as a way to show local kids the value of their creativity.

“I saw a gap in the market, and I wanted to give my kids who are in this age group and the other kids in the area the opportunity to get that confidence they need, in order to realize that there are ways they can be creative and make money as well,” Haywood said.

There will be about 30 young vendors displaying everything from baked goods and handmade jewelry to traditional drawing and painting.

The kids will also be voting for their peers to win five different awards and $25 cash prizes for Best Booth Design, Best Food/Drink Item, Best Wearable Item and two awards for Best Creative Arts & Crafts Items.

Haywood has big plans for the future of Kids Maker’s Markets.

“I’m looking to expand it throughout the Asheville area, and kind of make these little community support systems around the kids,” Haywood said. “I have a big vision for this. You know, creating workshops and resources for kids to learn all the things that you might need to know leading up to selling your items at a Maker’s Market. Understanding pricing, and cost and profit. And then merchandising. Product market fit with customers. That kind of stuff.”

Kids — or helpful parents acting as secretary to the young entrepreneurs — interested in selling wares at the next Maker’s Market can reach out to Haywood at ashleybhaywood@gmail.com, or via Facebook at “WNC Kids Maker’s Market.”