Artisan Alley Market to debut at Colorado Springs arts center

A market is set to debut in Colorado Springs this weekend — complete with entertainment and treats.

On Saturday, the Wreck’d Collective will be putting on its first Artisan Alley Market at Cottonwood Center for the Arts’ Penrose Alley. The market will host local artists, makers and vintage sellers, as well as a range of entertainment and food vendors.

“It’s to bring artists, makers and thrifters together and give people an opportunity to see the creatives that are in Colorado Springs, and we try to focus on sustainability,” said Michelle Marchewka, co-founder of the Wreck’d Collective and co-organizer of the Artisan Alley Markets.

The market is set for every third Saturday of the month, through September. After that, Marchewka hopes to move the festival indoors to accommodate winter conditions.

At the market, there will be painters, sculptors, jewelry makers and antique finds. The Meltdown, an ice cream truck, and Mountain Brews Coffee, a mobile coffee shop, will be selling food and drinks at the event.

In addition to local art and food vendors, the market will host live demos and performances. For this first market, there will be a demonstration by B.R.A.T. Fitness, an EDM dance exercise group, as well as a performance by singer and guitarist Alpha.

“We’re just trying to get artists in and get the community together, and give them an opportunity to come out and enjoy your city,” Marchewka said.

“See what it’s all about, while also getting to check out Cottonwood. Cottonwood will be open while we’re doing that and people will be able to look at all the artists that are in there. They host over 70 different artists.”

Perhaps the best part: It’s free (parking, too).

“It’s just a nice way to get people together to be able to experience the art of our community,” Marchewka said.

“Our artistic community is really growing and evolving, and we’re really excited to be a part of it.”