This weekend, Makers and shoppers alike will descend on Green Spring Station for the first annual Green Spring Station Maker’s Market. From 10am-5pm on Saturday, some of Baltimore’s best artists and crafters will ‘set up shop’ around the center of Green Spring Station. The day will host DIY workshops, cocktails, and snacks for reasonable ticket prices (the craft show itself is free). In addition to the individual crafters, a unique pop-up shop, called Taken, will feature a curated mix of vintage finds and handmade goods by local makers. Taken is “popping up” in multiple city locations this holiday season (they are also taking over the new Strand Theatre on Harford Rd every weekend through the holidays).
Vanessa Milo, the curator behind Taken, began her pop-up shop business in December of last year, after a lifelong love of vintage shopping and art appreciation. Milo hosts handmade and vintage pop-ups all over Maryland, doing the work of organizing, choosing products, cleaning up old vintage finds, and even crafting her own goods on occasion. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me, about the shop, and the fair this weekend.
When did you start Taken?
Taken had its first pop up shop on December 4, 2015….so we are coming up on our one year anniversary! It’s been a dream of mine to have a shop that promoted artists and makers, creating a space where people felt welcomed, like a home away from home….for many years. Last year we took the leap and it’s been an amazing ride.
How many events do you do a year?
We have a spring season (March – June) and a fall/holiday season (September – December) so 8 shops a year. Our shops pop up in Baltimore City and Harford, Baltimore, Howard and Carroll counties. Our idea is that twice a year we pop up near you.
Do you make/sell any crafts yourself, or focus on the curating?
My art education was in printmaking and book arts so I have a passion for things made by hand, that tell a story and have a function. For the shops, I make pillows and placemats (but I don’t have any in the Green Spring Station shop). I’m also the one who hunts, cleans and re-purposes most of our vintage finds. And yes, I do all the curating and merchandising of the shops.
Where do you find your vintage pieces?
Our vintage pieces are from car trips all over the East Coast. Estate sales, flea markets, barn sales, and those stands by the side of the road that you just never know what you will find. The hunt is part of the adventure.
What do you do when you’re not running a Taken event?
I am a consultant for local nonprofit organizations focused on helping organizations communicate better, raise funds and engage leaders. I’m also a Mom to an amazing teenager and two quirky rescue pets (a dog, Hannah, and a cat, Bruce) ?
What will we see from you at the fair this weekend?
Taken represents over 30 artists and makers from Maryland. Our guests will find a space that invites them to linger and explore. Our product line includes items for your home, apothecary needs and original artwork. Everything is small shop produced so limited quantities and many one of a kind pieces.
Rachel Bone’s column – The Rack, is proudly sponsored by The Village of Cross Keys, celebrating 50 years of featuring some of Baltimore’s best shopping, dining and lodging in a courtyard setting. Click to See What’s Happening at the Keys this Season.
