On December 16th and 17th, East Portland Collective in partnership with Four Forces Inc. hosted a Queer Makers Winter Pop-Up in Lents, in one of the commercial spaces owned by Prosper Portland that have sat empty for years. In addition to goodies from local and hyper-local East Portland makers, such as art, jewelry, clothing, candles, accessories, zines, prints, cards, skincare, crystals, glass ornaments, and slime, there was a free ornament making station, a free wrapping station courtesy of the Lents Business Association, tarot readings, face painting, and more.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the market – vendors, visitors, and volunteers!
What made East Portland Collective‘s market special?
From vendors’ perspective: East Portland Collective heard from our community about the barriers that vendors/artists experience in simply being able to attend a market, so we charged zero fees to be a vendor at our market. That means artists got to keep all the money they made. For emerging artists who couldn’t get into a market this season due to cost and other barriers, this market was their opportunity to vend during the holidays. 
Additionally, by partnering with Four Forces Inc., EPC was able to offer each vendor up to $100 incentive to attend, along with a free business class taught by Four Forces Inc. that will help artists manage their business and maximize their profits. 
All artists were welcome to apply, and EPC prioritized LBGTQIA+/BIPOC and low-income applicants. Artists were selected by a community committee on a rolling basis and notified starting December 5th, 2023. EPC received 50 applications within 48 hours of launching the market and were able to accommodate 27+ vendors over the two-day period.. 
From a shopper perspective: This market was perfect for last minute shoppers! Additionally, by shopping at our Queer Makers Winter Pop-Up, they will be shopping hyper-local and supporting local and marginalized artists, and helping build community in Lents/East Portland with us 
