Wynwood Gets a Greenmarket
The very best markets both reflect the character of the community around them and serve its residents, too – which makes the debut of the Wynwood Green & Art Market at the Bakehouse Art Complex such a natural fit. Beginning Sun., Mar. 1, the historic Art Deco bakery art center will host a regular farmers market on the site. As a community space for working artists for nearly 30 years – long before Wynwood’s emergence as a thriving arts neighborhood – Bakehouse has been home to a culturally diverse group of over 60 contemporary artists, and the site of exhibitions, cultural programming and other resources. With the addition of a green market, the 2.3-acre space can expand its offerings to the community by being a source for fresh, healthy local food.
“I see this as a major initiative to welcome the public to this space,” says executive director Marte Siebenhar. “We are in a food desert. [The market] can truly serve the neighborhood in ways we hadn’t imagined.”
Sarah Vargas, who runs the Miami Springs farmers market, was tapped to organize this green market, which made possible by the Our Miami Public Space Challenge, a project of The Miami Foundation and the Health Foundation of South Florida.
“My objective is to tie in the arts and market world,” she says. “It’s an incredibly cool space” that’s well suited for families, too, because it’s walled-in. Urban Oasis Project is supplying produce from Verde Farms and offering EBT/SNAP benefits. Other vendors include:
- Reeny’s Butterflies, Bees and Blooms – honey and other bee products
- The Green Bar – fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies
- Greencrafters, Inc. – Kombucha tea
- Soy Naturals – hand-poured soy candles and essential oils
- Quinoa Corner – locally prepared quinoa salads, vegan and vegetarian available
- Bone Lee’s Original Gourmet Hot Sauce
- King Fish Market – fresh ceviche
- African Organics – shea butter and black soaps
- CocoMarket – fresh coconut drinks and products
Artists who are participating in the market to date include Jennifer Fernandez, Veronica Sierra-Soderman and Nancy Martini.
Residents in Wynwood community will be able to stock up on fresh produce, and visitors will get to experience a vibrant art space through activities, such as children’s painting classes.
The market represents the intersection of art and food, and it makes perfect sense. “It’s a win for art, for Wynwood, and for healthy food,” says Siebenhar.
The Wynwood Green & Art Market, at the Bakehouse Art Complex at 561 NW 32 St., begins Sun., Mar. 1 from 11am-3pm. Free, safe parking is available at the school across the street. Upcoming market days are Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Mar. 22 and Mar. 29. For more information, visit their site.
