By Judy O’Gorman Alvarez
RED BANK – What can artists do to sell their wares at holiday time when there’s a pandemic raging and another lockdown threatening?
Debbie Eisenstein, artist and owner of the Red Bank Artisan Collective, found a way to give local artists a temporary place to showcase their handiwork and shoppers a chance to peruse crafts, gifts and fine art. The holiday bazaar pop-up, 86 Market, located at 86 Broad St. in Red Bank, opened Saturday, Nov. 21 and will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Art aficionados, browsers and shoppers alike can visit noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
“My father’s and his business partner own the space and it’s been an empty storefront, so I thought I’d take advantage of it and start a holiday pop-up,” said Eisenstein. “It’s an opportunity for artists to show their works,” she said, at a time when pandemic safeguards have limited or canceled indoor and outdoor shops, fairs and shows. “Sadly, a lot of shows have been canceled this year, including Granny’s Attic.” (The popular craft show sponsored by Thompson Middle School PTA in Middletown traditionally held the Saturday before Thanksgiving was canceled just a day before the event, with organizers citing the increase in COVID-19 cases as the reason. The event’s Facebook page shares vendor information.)
The 3,400-square-foot space on Broad Street where Alphonso bakery was located was the perfect place for a makeshift gallery like 86 Market. “It’s got high ceilings and we’re keeping the doors open for as long as we can,” said Eisenstein. “Dozens of artists will be here over the course of the five weeks.”
The market offers artwork, home décor, jewelry, some antique and collectibles. Holiday items such as ornaments, wreaths and more are available. And Eisenstein is excited to be part of RiverCenter’s Small Business Saturday Nov. 28 and the first Artist Sunday Nov. 29, when artisans throughout the area will showcase their talents and their wares.
Eisenstein will feature artists creating art live – outside the shop or inside in the windows. Fair Haven artist and The Two River Times contributor Mike Quon starred as the inaugural guest artist Nov. 21.
“I’m trying to give artists another method for selling their products, their arts, their creativity,” she said. “It’s all about shopping local – and ‘boo’ to Amazon.”
86 Market’s grand opening will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.
The article originally appeared in the November 26 – December 2, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
