Handcrafted art at the Eastern Idaho Art Market

By Moses Fox

REXBURG — Twice a year, every August and November, artists and crafters have the opportunity to display and sell their work in the Eastern Idaho Art Market. The Market focuses on quality, unique handcrafted artworks and artisan goods. Items sold at the art market range from sculptures and paintings to candles, stained glass, and jewelry.

According to Shelby Thayne, co-founder of the Market, “the overall purpose and intention of it is to celebrate the arts and to connect community, artists, and artisans.” 

The Eastern Idaho Art Market provides a recurring opportunity for Rexburg artists to engage and collaborate with other artists in the community. It’s a great event for beginner artists to get their work out into the world and for students to fulfill graduation requirements.

“It’s an art-focused artisan market,” Thayne says.

Thayne and co-founder Alex Reed vet all the vendors to ensure that all goods sold at the market are handmade, rather than mass-produced. They also ensure that vendors are selected from a diverse range of creative endeavors to avoid competition between sellers. It is a great place for customers and creators to meet face-to-face and acquire art in person rather than on a screen.

The Easter Idaho Art Market, run by Reed and Thayne, aims to become a fixture of Rexburg culture, attracting artists and encouraging more people to participate in their local artistic community.

Even if visitors aren’t interested in purchasing anything, the Summer and Holiday Markets remain a great opportunity to see the work and art being created in Rexburg and the greater Eastern Idaho Area.

Vendors and customers who are curious can visit the Eastern Idaho Art Market website to apply for a chance to display their work. 

Their website includes additional details about upcoming event dates and is updated as more information becomes available.