ABOVE: Nancy Horning of Calico Pony Creations stands with some of her craft items inside the ‘Hub’ in Fairmont. Horning plans to take part in the upcoming Art Mart series that will be put on by Imagine Martin. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT– Art Mart is a new series arriving on the Downtown Plaza area this coming summer. Hosted by local arts non-profit, Imagine Martin, Art Mart will provide local artists, crafters and other creative entrepreneurs an outdoor space to show and sell their works.

Imagine Martin’s chairman, Jeff Rouse, said they’ve had a good response to the ‘Hub,’ which opened at 103 W. 1st Street in Fairmont last May.

“We’ve had countless people from not only outside of our community stop at the Hub, but our citizens stopping into the Hub. Continually we hear that people would like to see more family friendly events and activities going on in the community,” Rouse explained.

He said that while there are some good existing events, Imagine Martin wanted to work on bringing in some additional events, one of which is Art Mart.

Along with various artists and crafters, independent businesses, cottage food producers, community groups and fellow non-profits are also welcome to showcase what they offer.

“There’s other places that have done this but this would be an additional option for people,” Rouse said.

Every other Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., beginning May 8, Art Mart will take place on West 1st Street and the second block of Downtown Plaza.

“We didn’t want to close off Downtown Plaza. We support all of the businesses downtown and we wanted them to still be accessed,” Rouse explained.

In addition to a variety of goods being on display for people to browse and purchase, each Art Mart will also feature live music and food trucks.

“We’ve already booked the musicians and are almost complete with the food trucks and restaurants,” Rouse said.

Imagine Martin received a grant from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council to help with some costs, including promotion.

“The grant allows us to make this free to all participants at zero cost,” Rouse said.

Imagine Martin paid for and received a permit to hold the events from the city.

Some nonprofits have expressed interest in setting up at Art Mart, as well as some of the crafters that already display and sell their goods at the Hub. Michelle Doll is based out of Dunnell and her business, VILLA RUSTICA, makes extra virgin olive oil. She thinks Art Mart will be great opportunity.

“At Christmas time the Hub was open late one night and we had a very successful night. We are looking forward to this opportunity,” she said, referencing Merry and Bright night.

Doll said she thinks that giving space for crafters and vendors outdoors, coupled with the live music and food offerings will make Art Mart a successful event.

Nancy Horning of Trimont has Calico Pony Creations and makes sun catchers, keychains, goat soap and other items that she sells at the Hub. She also plans to take part in Art Mart.

“I love the Hub. It’s the coolest concept and it works,” Horning said. “With this I’m looking forward to more community exposure and getting myself out there and connecting more with the community.”

Rouse said they’re already planning to make Art Mart an annual event.

“It’s a fun activity. People can say, ‘let’s run down there, grab a bite to eat, check it out and listen to some music.’ It can be a fun and casual evening on a Thursday night,” Rouse said.

Those interested in participating can contact Imagine Martin at info@imaginemartin.com to reserve a spot. Space is limited and Rouse suspects there will be room for about 50 or 60 vendors.

In addition to Art Mart, Imagine Martin is planning a Swine Derby that will be held on May 24. It’s also planning some other events and working with the city on Lakefest, which will take place on Aug. 10.