Run This Town

Brooklyn, not unlike the rest of NYC, loves its artists. Every borough brims with creativity, but the various neighborhoods in Brooklyn each exude their own flavor and flair boldly, proudly and loudly.

Williamsburg has infinite impromptu sidewalk flea markets, with van-fulls of worn clothes, vintage treasure and books, books, books laid upon the concrete or hung along the fences that run the length of Bedford between McCarren Park and Metropolitan Ave. As hostess of the sidewalk flea market variety, it seems only appropriate that an old warehouse on N. 6th street between Bedford and Berry plays host each Saturday and Sunday to the beauty of the Artists and Fleas market.

This is no dig-through-dirty-wares market. It is exclusively full of treasure, treasure, treasure hand-crafted by innovative designers. Talented and unique artists show their jewelry, clothes and imaginative gifts: handbound books, crazy cutting-edge jewelry, handknit hats, beauty and health products, accessories, clocks made out of old books and even food products.

Artists and Fleas began in late 2003, “established as a weekly marketplace to bring emerging artists, indie designers, vintage collectors & enthusiasts and anyone seeking a place to show and sell together in a relaxed alt retail environment to network, sell and get feedback directly from shoppers and fellow creative folks.”

And that it does. I’ve walked through the warehouse a few times now. Many of the artists are consistently there, but some rotate out, giving variety to the gems you can find. All of the vendors are friendly and open to share the story of their work, what inspires them and their artistic pieces, and it’s fun to chat with them and interact with people who have dedicated their lives to their dreams and creative callings.  

I’ve known for some time that I am inspired by artists, but fleas… that’s a new and different story.