Click Image to Visit the City Arts Market Photo Courtesy Lancaster Newspapers Eastern Market, which was built in 1883, reopened in 2006 as not only a way to support the Historic East Side but an inexpensive way to provide local vendors business opportunities.
Artists were gradually incorporated into the market, now open Wednesdays and Sundays, June through October.
Last year, two City Arts Markets were held in November and December.
This year, the plan was to hold one market in early December, and the proposal was enthusiastically received.
In fact, Keim says, so many artists applied to come on board, there is a waiting list.
In addition to vendors, a drawing will be held for a live Christmas tree donated by Stauffers of Kissel Hill and decorated by Washington Elementary students.
The Eastern Market House is a perfect spot for the arts market, Keim believes.
"It's a rough space, but it's also an amazing space," she says.
The 10,000-square-foot, window-filled building, which celebrates its 125th birthday this year, exudes history and character, she says.
In the first 20 years, the market operated as one of many in the city. After food sales ceased in the early 20th century, the building was utilized by a number of organizations, including boat and car dealers, the Housing Development Corp. and most recently Tabor Community Services, one of the founding organizations of the East King Improvement District.
This weekend the market will be a haven for the arts.
In Lancaster, the arts community has continued to grow exponentially, Keim and Holland agree.
"It's really coming into its own," Holland says. "And there are all kinds of artists. It hasn't just stuck to one angle, and everyone is accepting of it.
"Anything goes ... "
