Craft your perfect day
The Artisan Faire at Salishan is a treasure hunter’s dream
Story & photos by Hazel Fiedler
Oregon Coast TODAY
You might have noticed the line of cars parked along the highway next to the Marketplace at Salishan on Fridays and Saturdays and wondered, what’s the attraction? It's the Artisan Faire at Salishan, a weekly farmers and crafters market.
Under the white awnings of market tents, you can see pops of color even from the highway. The market offers a variety of unique coastal goods from stunning Oregon Coast photography to handmade pottery to fresh produce.
David Wolf, who owns and operates the market with his partner Nissa, appreciates the many ways in which it positively impacts the community at the coast.
“Markets like this one are really important because they give customers a chance to put their money towards the community instead of spending it with corporations,” he said. “This market has created a really nice community where vendors support one another.”
It is clear that people love being a part of the Salishan market community, as there were 63 applicants this year, causing Wolf to create a waiting list. Each week there are between 25 and 35 booths offering goods.
“Both locals and tourists love this market — there is really something for everyone,” Wolf said. “Locals will usually come early to get first pick of fresh produce before the market gets too busy.”
TJ Christian and Peter Spearstra made their Salishan debut this year with their business, Bevy Bitters. Bitters are flavor-enhancing, high-alcohol mixtures made with natural flavorings like wood and fruit. They are great mixed into water, coffee and other beverages as well as used to enhance the flavor of food, especially sautés.
“Our bitters allow customers to make the product their own,” Spearstra said. “You can mix and match flavors to find something you like. My favorite part about this market is the diversity of products. The things you find here are unique to this market — you can’t find them anywhere else.”
Even though they have only been at the market for a couple of weeks so far, they feel as though they have been welcomed and included.
“This market is its own community and we love being a part of it,” Spearstra said. “We enjoy being able to share our craft and make people’s taste buds explode with flavor.”
Mary Lahti began her business, MJ creations, eight years ago as a completely self-taught artist. “I was having a hard time finding unique greeting cards I liked, so I decided to make my own,” she said. “That is when I learned how to make art using alcohol ink.”
Lahti now sells an array of original tiles that can be used as coasters or mounted in frames. Her work reflects the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast, with scenes of the ocean and wildlife. Lahti also creates colorful sliced agate chimes that tinkle in the light breeze blowing through her booth.
“I am at the Salishan market almost every weekend,” she said, “unless I am visiting my grandkids.”
A veteran of his craft, Aaron Sertich of ThornMeadow Glassworks has been a full-time glass-blower for 15 years.
“I originally moved to the coast to surf but was quickly inspired to start creating blown glass by Alder House Glass Studios,” he said. “Alder House has been around for a long time and has done a ton to bring glass-blowing culture to the coast.”
After apprenticing at Alder House, Sertich began to create his own blown glass.
“Glass blowing methods have been the same for hundreds of years,” he said. “I still use historic hand tools to create my art.”
He and his wife recently opened a studio that offers private glass-blowing classes.
“I think markets like these are unique in that you not only get to see art, but also speak face to face with the artist,” he said. At his booth, he offers a variety of glass art, including the classic floats, bowls, conch shells speckled with vibrant colors and yard art.
A true testament to the positive and welcoming atmosphere at the market are Chris Cutten and partner Kya, who drive five hours from Yakima, Washington, to take part. Their business, C&K Produce, offers peaches, cherries, melons and vegetables grown on their family farm.
“Lincoln City has always been our favorite Oregon Coast town to visit and we often noticed the Salishan market when we drove by on the highway,” Kya said. “When I saw the vendor openings this year on Facebook, I knew we had to be a part of it. The vendors who have been here longer than us have been eager to reach out and offer us support and advice.”
The Artisan Faire at Salishan is located at the Marketplace at Salishan, 7755 NW Hwy. 101, and is open from 11 am to 5 pm on Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. For more information, go to artisanfaireatsalishan.com.