On a rainy Saturday in April, Freddo ATX on South Congress opened its doors to host the Deaf Artisan Market.
The Deaf Artisan Market Day is held once a month, each time at a different location around Austin. All the vendors are small business owners or artists with a huge range of products offered. From jewelry, to paintings, astrological readings, barbecue sauce and so much more. Although there’s a large variety of products offered, there is one main commonality between all the vendors. They all identify as Deaf.
According to its website, this market is meant to provide talented individuals with a platform to showcase their work. The founders worked hard to create a market that’s both inclusive and diverse, with a range of products to fit the needs of different people. The website explains how supporting these markets is more than aiding the success of these vendors. It also helps to work towards big changes, like creating equal opportunities for members of the Deaf community.
The cloudy weather and occasional rain were not enough to stop this outdoor market, nor did it put a damper on the mood. Pop music played from a speaker, but was hardly acknowledged, as the vendors and market-goers were signing and laughing with one another. It was a fairly small market, with roughly 10 vendors, all tabled along the edge of the fence down the street from Freddo’s outdoor lawn. The picnic table in the middle of the lawn hosted roughly 30 people. Some went to Freddo’s to study, peeking over at the market occasionally, while others grabbed a quick bite before returning to the vendor’s tables.
Nuriia, one of the market vendors, owns a small business called Animal Art USA, where she sells custom watercolor paintings of people’s pets. She sells her paintings out of Austin and shared that these markets are a good way for her to make sales, and that she hopes to see more of these events in the future.
Another vendor, Nathalie Johnston, sells jewelry, home decor products and accessories. She described her products to be something one would find in a boutique. She sells her products out of Austin via her website, Nathalina, and through these monthly markets.
Nathalie expressed how these markets were a second job, or side hustle for most vendors, and how expanding these events would positively impact both the vendors and the community.
“There are many skilled Deaf people, and from so many different cultures,” Nathalie said.
She followed that statement by showing some of her handcrafted placemats. She had dozens of them displayed on her table and said they were inspired by her Lebanese heritage. Her family in Lebanon sells these placemats as well.
She expressed how, in addition to the culture behind her products, many of the other vendors come from different cultures and backgrounds. The different perspectives showcased at this market allow for a unique experience at each vendor’s table.
This market is not exclusive to the Deaf community, as there were a handful of market-goers who didn’t identify as Deaf, hard of hearing or even know any American Sign Language. Many of the vendors who were selling home decor items and handcrafted art included both ASL and English words in their products. Patty and Sammy are two hearing individuals who happened to stumble upon the market. Although neither of them used sign language , they were intrigued by the market and decided to see what it was all about. They said they were impressed with the incorporation of ASL in the different products.
The next market will be held on May 11, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Radio East, Austin. Make sure to come ready to shop and sign!
