Handmade Harvest: Art, Eats, and Beats at the Fall Makers Market at Arlene’s

Arlene’s Member Heather DuBarry and her mother delightfully chatting with artist, instructor, and mentor Maria DeAngelo of ArtyLadyMSD at the Spring Market this past May at Arlene’s. A perfect snapshot of community, creativity, and connection. Image Credit: Andrew Ochal

Imagine rolling into Arlene’s parking lot on a crisp late-summer morning, coffee in hand and curiosity leading the way. It’s 10:55 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and already a soft hum of excitement drifts between the booths lining 57 Fuller Road in Albany. At 11 AM, you step into a world where handmade treasures and community spirit come alive.

Morning Magic- Art and Folk Tunes

Your first stop is inside Arlene’s for Kris Woodward’s Birch Trees on Yupo workshop, which kicks off promptly at 11 AM. Kris lays out Yupo paper, inks, and brushes, and soon you’re channeling your inner artist, layering color to evoke a misty forest. As you lose yourself in the colors, Ryan Leddick’s warm folk-guitar melodies thread through the air from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, turning every brushstroke into its own dance.

Meet the Makers

As your creations dry, you wander outside into a vibrant marketplace showcasing over 20 local creatives. You greet Ottavia Huang, current artist-in-residence behind Ms Otter Studio, whose watercolor landscapes from her travels transport you right there with her. Nearby, fellow artists in residence Aly Parrott’s fantasy jewelry beckons you closer, and Rainier Bernhardt of Sea Sheep Studios shares their love for local flora and fauna through prints and funky chicken stickers.

Further down, you pick up a perfectly spiced cake from Cheyenne Simmons of Great Exbaketations Bakery LLC, admire felted creations by Althea Pestine-Stevens, and debate which mug from Natalie Kossak at Kosak Art will finally make it onto your shelf.

Lunchtime Fuel and Afternoon Vibes

By 1 PM your stomach rumbles, and you join the steady line at Cruet Wood Fired Pizza Truck. Each pie arrives bubbling hot, with smoky char and just-picked basil. Refueled, you tuck into a sunny spot, meet fellow market-goers, and admire hand-beaded jewelry from Maria DeAngelo (ArtyLady MSD) and Netts All Natural skincare by Bernette Riley.

At 2 PM, DJ Brent Michael takes over, spinning upbeat sets that carry you into the afternoon. You drift between booths, arms filled with one-of-a-kind toys from Ingrid Tiffe’s with IsaTe’s Designs and T-shirts covered in colorful cats by Sarah Blakeman.

Wrapping Up with a Creative Charge

As the clock nears 4 PM, the market winds down, but your mind buzzes with inspiration. You’ve painted, dined, danced, and discovered. Whether you’re snatching that final ceramic bowl for Robyn Cross Ceramics, or snapping a selfie with Julie Ploss’s Crochet Play NY creations, the Fall Makers Market delivers more than goods—it’s a celebration of all things local.

Join the Fun

Mark your calendar now: Fall Makers Market at Arlene's on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 11 AM–4 PM at Arlene’s, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany NY 12205. Admission is free, it’s all-ages friendly, and every moment promises a fresh spark of creativity. Bring friends, bring family, and bring your open heart for handmade magic. We can’t wait to see what you find.