Coastal Market launched in Richmond

A new non-profit organization is working toward self-sufficiency by starting a summer artisan market beginning July 2.

Community organizers, artists and other creative people in the Richmond County area met early in the year to develop ideas around the mission of supporting arts and culture in the county.

The Coastal Arts and Culture Guild became a registered society on May 12.

The Coastal Market, located on Greenville Street as travellers enter St. Peter’s from the west, is currently the organization’s flagship project. It will focus mainly on high-end artisan crafts but will offer farmers market food items as well as entertainment.

“One of our early priorities was to find a physical location where our members could meet up and collaborate. While this market serves our artisan members it also provides that supportive community space for everyone,” said board president Dawn Ostrem. “This is a great start for us so early on and benefits the entire community and region.”

The Coastal Arts and Culture Guild is developing a business plan under a social enterprise model, making the market an opportunity to support members while earning income through vendor fees. Money earned will go back into the Coastal Arts and Culture Guild to support other projects and programming for members.

Christine Oakley, director of membership for the organization, will lead the management of the Coastal Market. She was the manager of the Port Hawkesbury Area Community Market in 2014-15.

The first coastal market will take place on July 2 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and will continue every Sunday throughout the summer.

For more information, including vendor and member applications, visit the website www.coastalguild.com.