Dec. 3, 2024

The 33rd Holiday Artists Market returns with more than 60 local artists and makers, including work from KCAD faculty, students

A beloved Grand Rapids tradition returns as the 33rd annual Holiday Artists Market transforms Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design into a festive holiday fair for all ages .

The event is planned for Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hosted by The Spark, KCAD’s on-campus creative retail space, this year’s Holiday Artists Market will showcase more than 60 local and regional artists, designers, and makers inside the 17 Fountain Street building in downtown Grand Rapids. Artists include current and former KCAD students. 

Admission is free at this one-day event. 

Holiday shoppers seeking unique, locally made gifts are invited to discover a curated selection of unique, beautifully crafted art and goods including jewelry, home decor, fine art, holiday cards, leather goods, ceramics, prints, accessories, toys, and more. 

"The Holiday Artists Market illuminates KCAD's commitment to nurturing West Michigan's creative community," KCAD President Tara McCrackin said. "We are proud to host this vibrant marketplace where talented artists, makers, students, and alumni come together, merging creative education and entrepreneurship to benefit our entire region."

Adding to the festive atmosphere, local favorites Rise Authentic Baking Co., Lantern Coffee Bar, The Cakabakery, and Grand Traverse Pie Food Truck will offer food and beverages for purchase while visitors explore the market.

Alongside professional vendors, this year’s market will showcase 15 KCAD students, providing a valuable opportunity to sell their work and gain experience operating within an artist market. 

Eight KCAD alumni and a number of former faculty will also return to campus as vendors, joining a total of 62 artists and makers at this year's event. See the full list of participating artists here. 

Since its inception in 1988, the fine crafts and handmade goods market has served as a vital platform for West Michigan's artists, designers, and makers to showcase and sell their creative work directly to the local community during the holiday shopping season.

The Holiday Artists Market kicks off a full day of downtown holiday celebrations, which continue into the evening with the Grand Rapids Santa Parade starting at 5 p.m. followed by the Grand Rapids Tree Lighting at Rosa Parks Circle from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the 2024 Holiday Artists Market, please visit kcad.edu/events.

Visitors can shop for handmade goods and gifts from diverse makers this holiday season and year-round at KCAD’s creative retail space The Spark, open to the public Monday through Saturday at 17 Fountain Street NW.

AT A GLANCE:

What: 33rd Annual Holiday Artists Market

Who: Hosted by The Spark at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design

Where: 17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids.  

When: Saturday, December 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Admission: Free