New nomadic farmer’s market entwines local art and agriculture

First stop is the Foothills’ Tractor Supply Co. on Sunday

There’s no shortage of art or agriculture here in Yuma. While the area has been traditionally renowned as the southwestern hub for winter vegetables, its up-and-coming art scene has also gained momentum and regional attention.

Visit Yuma is taking these two prominent realms and blending them with a new, fresh twist in their most recent initiative, “Ag to Art Farmer’s Market: Feeding the Body and Soul”

Set for first Sundays from November through April, the monthly nomadic market will rove Yuma County as a way to celebrate the presence and impact of local farmers and artisans in all corners of the county.

“It was a project, in part, to bring fresh vegetables to communities that might not have as easy access to them,” Visit Yuma Marketing Specialist Karen Harris said. “But it has evolved from being food security oriented to looking at how we can both bring visitors to the smaller communities and give smaller communities the chance to showcase what they have to offer.”

The market’s first stop is the Foothills’ Tractor Supply Co. this Sunday, Nov. 3.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Yumans can fill their shopping bags with local goods such as fresh eggs, herbs and homemade bread and soaps.

As you meander among the vendors, you’ll find Brockett Farms with their Medjool dates, fresh honey, caramel apples and crafted chocolates; Gypsy Girl Henna by Drea fusing ag and art with her hand-drawn henna tattoos, organic lemons and homegrown succulents; Mama Bella Hot Sauce keeping things spicy with their jars of hot sauces and pepper jellies; and Mr. G’s serving up Mexican cuisine.

The artisan offerings will be just as diverse, from ink and fused glass to mineral-soldered jewelry.

“There are many cities of our size that don’t have the arts culture we have here,” Harris said. “It’s so visible and in front of us all the time. So we said, ‘This looks like an opportunity – we have all of these great artists and creative stuff happening, let’s bring them into our market.”

According to Visit Yuma’s executive team, it’s possible that a few of the markets will also feature cooking demonstrations and taste-tests, short music lessons and yoga sessions. For the series’ pilot event, Brockett Farms will share how dates are grown and harvested while Glam Dance Studio delivers live performances and BMC Productions provides music and entertainment.

“Ag to Art” is just as friendly to kids as it is to grown ups; each market will feature a children’s area, where they can get their hands dirty in various art and agriculture activities.

Booth space is free to any local growers and artisans interested in vending their products, either at one market or the whole series. To participate, contact Visit Yuma at communications@ visityuma.com or (928) 3760100.

Next month’s market will set up at Butterfield Park in Wellton on Dec. 1. The series will move to Colorado River State Historic Park on Jan. 5, Sanguinetti Park in Somerton on Feb. 2, the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex on March 1 and wrap up at the Sanguinetti House Museums and Gardens on April 5.

‘This looks like an opportunity – we have all of these great artists and creative stuff happening, let’s bring them into our market.”