While Theatre Workshop of Owensboro’s Trinity Centre at 407 W. Fifth St. has operated primarily as one of the organization’s two performance and workshop spaces, the nonprofit will utilize the space later this month for the debut of “The Spotlight Market Craft Show” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27.
The event will serve as TWO’s first craft show, which came about after thinking of additional initiatives for fundraising outside of its annual Celebration Gala and “Owensboro’s Got Talent” competition.
“We were kind of brainstorming … more of a fall fundraiser that we could do to really draw in other artists — not necessarily actors; but maybe craftsmakers, or prop makers, or somebody that sews or somebody that paints,” said Calissa “Calli” Whitmore, TWO’s executive director. “Our vision is ‘to create a role for everyone’ — (and) we really wanted to give artists … in general an opportunity to be in our space (and) to connect with our audiences ….”
Whitmore said the idea came from longtime TWO supporter and performer Dillon Schueler, who brought it up to her and Jacob Hein, the organization’s fundraising and marketing committee chair.
“The fundraising committee nailed (down) all the fine details about the event, and then they presented it to the board,” Whitmore said. “It passed with flying colors.”
In the event’s vendor application, which can be located on TWO’s website, “The Spotlight Market Craft Show” is coined as a new tradition the organization hopes to continue throughout the years.
According to the application, one of the main emphases is “(retaining) (TWO’s) authentic and historic context,” adding the event touts “traditional handmade art and handcrafts.”
“All work must be your own. No kits, plastic, manufactured parts, purchased pieces or imports will be allowed,” the application states, adding the event is a rain or shine event only to be canceled because of severe weather.
“I hope that people see all sorts of different things,” Whitmore said of what she anticipates to be on display. “… Whether you sew, you crochet or if you make papier-mâché, … I hope to see a whole variety of (mediums).
“… I’m very excited to see all of the different artists that come out ….” Whitmore said. “Hopefully this will be mutually beneficial to not only Theatre Workshop, but also giving those artists a platform to sell their merchandise.”
Whitmore said TWO will also be selling concessions during the event.
Vendor registration is $50, which secures a vendor an 8’x8’ space. Vendors should bring their own tables, chairs and protection from potential inclement weather.
Tables can be reserved for an additional $10 each, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whitmore said the funds from the vendor registration will help with TWO’s general overhead and continued maintenance of both Trinity Centre and its other performance venue, Empress Theatre, on Frederica Street.
“… (TWO’s) buildings are so rich in history, but they are older facilities; and (the) upkeep with older facilities is quite expensive,” Whitmore said of the latter. “… We’re really trying to upkeep our buildings and to ensure that they are not only looking great, but they are top-notch safety compliant ….”
For more information, visit theatreworkshop.org/the-spotlight-market-craft-show for the full craft vendor application and detail or contact Schueler, the craft show’s organizer, at dcschueler@yahoo.com.
