Fall Markets: Support Your Local Artists!

FALL MARKETS: SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS!

Fall came out of nowhere and here we are with pumpkin beverages materialized in hand. You’re tired of the overly-processed versions of Fall flavors. You want the real thing! Enter your local holiday markets, fairs, and conventions.

This year I will be vending with ICON for the first time in October, which in this case is a half-season mini con. The vendor hall is at the Masonic Lodge with ICON events the night of October 10 and all day October 11. The vendor hall will be open from 11am-4:55pm.

There will be other locations for events in the surrounding walkable area of downtown Iowa City. October 11 also coincides with the Iowa City Book Festival at Merge! Both events are free to the public, but there are ICON panels and activities that are available with purchasing a con badge ($25 for adult and $2 for kids).

More information on ICON 49.5 here!

I am putting the cart out before the horse a little bit for this Holiday Market. To be clear, the Parks & Rec Holiday Market in Iowa City is definitely happening, but my spot hasn’t been guaranteed yet. This is a great local market with unique crafts and goodies that tend to get buried in online search engines. You should go regardless if you are in the area!

Even Etsy has become suspect for mass-produced items and generative AI that is cleverly marketed to look like artisanal goods. Support your local artists and craftspeople by going out to your local markets and fairs. You will find something truly unique and get to know real people!

 

SKETCHES

Here are new animal sketches from the past month to enjoy! I have been spending some time at the Iowa City Museum of Natural History, which has an amazing taxidermy collection open to the public.

Diversions: Gallery & Game Night

Come and join me for this fun evening of gaming! I have the esteemed pleasure of being the inaugural artist for Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge in Coralville, IA. Peruse the art or take part in free game testing. Their standard pricing applies to playing games from their huge game library, but the chill atmosphere and camaraderie is priceless!

The event is April 19 from 7pm-10pm. Please also consider visiting Diversions' Grand Opening on April 12!

INTRODUCING STINKHORN SHRUMANS

Just in time for spring and Easter egg hunting are the completed Stinkhorn Shrumans, which are part of the card game artwork and have been fashioned into a splendid poster. 

Stinkhorns are an interesting group of fungi that start in an egg-like shape. The common name is "witch's eggs" and many species are edible in this stage. Once the fungi matures, it emanates a smell similar to dog poop or rotting animal carcasses. This is to attract insects that will carry the spore and allow the fungi to reproduce. The stinkhorns like wet climates and can be found in greatest number in tropical forests, but also like well-watered gardens. 

Art Store Launched and Ready

With the gradual decline of Etsy and privacy issues with both Shopify and Etsy, I have resolved to use the integrated Squarespace store feature. So far it has been working great! I am still needing feedback, so email me if you come across any issues with the interface. Use code "MUSHLOVE" for a 25% discount on orders of $20 and up!

Some new items you can find in my store are these tiny originals inspired by Spirited Away. Catch them at my store sale or see them in-person at my November and December events!

November and December Events

I have in-person events happening in Iowa City! The December 14 Holiday Market is happening regardless, but I am on the waitlist. I wanted to get the date out there and will update everyone as soon as I get word of my vendor status!