Loyal to Local: The Riverside Arts Market

Loyal to Local: The Riverside Arts Market
Farmers Row at RAM | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram

The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is a weekly makers and farmers market hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine. Keep reading to learn more about what makes RAM a must-visit part of each Saturday and how you could be part of what makes RAM such a Jacksonville staple.

Since its opening day in the spring of 2009, the Riverside Arts Market has been on a mission to be a community gathering space where independent, small business owners could thrive by offering their products to the local community. Nearly 14 years later, more than 100 farmers and makers come together each week under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge to sell their products to more than 4,000 visitors – including longtime Jacksonville residents and first-time visitors alike.

Garage Roses Art Studio | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram
Garage Roses Art Studio | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram

Perhaps the first and foremost reason why RAM is so passionate about advocating for and celebrating local makers in the community is because of the organization it was created by. The market is a weekly event hosted by local grassroots nonprofit Riverside Avondale Preservation, which has been the lead advocate and facilitator for the historic Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods’ commercial districts, public spaces, and community since 1974.

RAP has worked since its founding to preserve, promote, advocate, and celebrate both this historic and modern aspects of Riverside Avondale that make the area such a special part of the city. With the launch of the market over a decade ago, RAP might have found one of its most impactful ways to consistently support local, inviting others to do the same while also introducing them to the historic district.

In The Midst Dance at RAM | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram
In The Midst Dance at RAM | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram

RAM experienced a great amount of growth in 2022. The market was able to welcome new makers, it reached capacity and was fully activated earlier in the year than it ever had been, and many makers had some of their best days under the bridge. In fact, the Saturday before Christmas Eve hosted over 150 vendors, making it a hub for shopping local for the holidays.

If you are a maker looking to showcase your small business to passionate supporters of local businesses, applications for the 2023 market season are now open to the public. RAM is seeking authentic creators who are interested in offering their unique product to the community. If this sounds like you, RAM would love to hear more from you.

Kravegan | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram
Kravegan | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram

Applications to RAM are available at the Application tab on their website. Please take a moment to review submission guidelines and RAM’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure a quick application process.

While the market is at capacity for certain items – including ceramics, jewelry, body products, candles, flowers, macrame, and food – that doesn’t mean the market isn’t interested. If you’d like to share your product with RAM, please fill out the 2023 Vendor Interest Form offered on their website.

Knotty by Kasey | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram
Knotty by Kasey | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram

To learn more and stay up to date with RAM, be sure to check out their website and follow them on social media.

By Elena Curtis
Outreach Manager, Riverside Avondale Preservation

Happy RAM Shopper | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram
Happy RAM Shopper | Picture Credit: RAM Instagram
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...