by Noella Noelophile®
“Let’s keep opening doors,” emails artist and Patchwork Show Co-Founder Nicole Stevenson.
And she’s doing exactly that.
As Patchwork Show Makers Market and Community Festival opens applications for their round of autumn shows, something brand-new has been added: a scholarship, for LGBTQ, BIPOC and first-time in-person market vendors!
The details
Scholarship applications are open from now through Saturday, August 30th. These scholarships cover the cost of a standard Patchwork Show booth fee, according to the Patchwork Show website. Up to seven scholarships will be given out, every season.
Scholarship recipients are responsible for the costs of their own travel and lodging, as well as meals and materials.
In addition to welcoming LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC makers, Patchwork Show encourages makers who have never participated in ANY craft show or in-person pop-up event, to apply. And yes, according to their FAQs, if you’ve sold online but never in-person, you are eligible!
Scholarship recipients will be notified on September 8th. And if your scholarship application isn’t approved but you’d still like to apply to be a vendor, you’re encouraged to do so.
The shows
Patchwork Show’s five autumn events take place in both Northern and Southern California. The first of these happens on Sunday, November 9th, in Redwood City. Subsequent shows take place in Ventura, Oakland, Long Beach and Tustin.
The shows I’ve had the good luck to attend, pre-COVID, were nothing short of celebrations: live music, great food, DIY areas and, of course, the chance to shop for unique, and beautiful, creations by talented independent makers.
A mission of encouragement
“We need to keep creating,” Nicole says, of the current challenging times.
“(We started the scholarship) to support people who are showing up and making things, even when the world feels heavy.”
How about you? Would you like to show up with what you’ve created, and add color and beauty as you support a community of creative, fantastic artists?
Patchwork Show’s website mentions that vendor applicants will know if they’ve been accepted within about a week after applying.
And here’s a little more good news.
I don’t yet see a specific deadline (will add it here as soon as I know!), BUT–the website lists “Early Bird Discounts and Perks” if you apply early!
Enjoy, keep creating, and keep inspiring!