Chicago’s Upcycling Artisans Host Alternative Black Friday Shopping Experience
New Perspectives on ‘Trash’
Nowhere Collective launched its first Trashy Market in December 2022.
It has since held five other upcycled craft markets in North Center, Back of the Yards, West Town and Wrigleyville. Some 3,600 shoppers visited its Trashy Earth Market in April outside Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way, Osborn said. Its July 2023 Trashy Summer Market at KOVAL Distillery in the North Center area drew roughly 450 shoppers.
“It’s been really exciting to know that we’re building something valuable for this left-behind segment of the handicrafts industry which, until now, has been an untapped resource in helping create a culture of circularity,” Osborn said.
Wood artisan Chris Wooten started re-purposing furniture during the pandemic when he found a broken desk in an alley with “gorgeous” mahogany trim and oak drawers.
“It seemed like a tragedy to let it get hauled off to the landfill so I took it home, took it apart and made some stuff out of it. Ever since, prospecting the neighborhood alleys for trashed hardwood has become an all-consuming obsession,” Wooten said.
“Trees are a precious resource. I don’t pretend I’m making a huge impact on the volume of stuff going to the landfills, or the mowing of the world’s forest. But giving an old discarded piece of wood a new chance at being a useful, beautiful and hopefully treasured thing makes me feel pretty good.”
Osborn said vendors typically see strong sales at Trashy Market. “They attribute their success to the quick, deep connection with shoppers who appreciate their craft of re-purposing,” she said. And artisans enjoy the camaraderie with other creatives and community members.
“It’s the ethos that makes it different,” said mixed-media artist Jasmyne Robertson, who uses recycled paper, bubble wrap and other materials in her work. “There’s just something about gushing over ‘treasures’ with fellow makers at our events. I think I nearly passed out in joy at one of our maker’s swaps.”
Because Trashy Markets attract like-minded customers interested in sustainability, “makers spend less time explaining why they use trash and why it’s important,” Osborn said. “It’s rewarding to watch someone’s eyes light up when they also start to see the potential in things that would have been tossed.”
“Shoppers walk away with a renewed perspective on the stuff they buy, use and dispose,” she said. “The atmosphere is filled with joy and hope for the future, which is needed right now more than ever.”
Reverse Black Friday
The Reverse Black Friday Market in North Center on Friday and Saturday will feature more than 30 Chicago-area artisans selling upcycled crafts.
The artisans include Maggie Joyce, who makes colorful jewelry from recycled eyeglasses; Kate Wolicki, who uses old textiles such as thrifted neckties to create bags and more; and Chris Wooten, who transforms furniture found in Chicago’s alleys into unique wooden bowls, utensils and even chessboards.
The upcycled crafts fair will also feature eco-friendly activities and coincides with Small Business Saturday. It’ll be held at several shops, including Irish bistro Mrs. Murphy & Sons, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.; fitness studio Free MVMT Shop, 3868 N. Lincoln Ave.; and Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream, 1943 W. Byron St.
Mrs. Murphy & Sons will have free Teeling Irish whiskey samples and cocktails for purchase, alongside live Irish music. Bartleby’s will serve apple cider and hot chocolate affogatos, and host a pet gear swap and Shrinky-Dink making with Round Two Upcycled Craft Parties. Free MVMT will feature movement classes, a clothing swap organized by Queering the Binary Foundation and free recycled gift wrapping by Indigo & Violet Studio.
What to Expect
The Reverse Black Friday Market will offer a unique shopping experience that promotes sustainability and community engagement.
Visitors can expect to find a variety of upcycled crafts, including jewelry, bags, furniture, and more. The market will also feature eco-friendly activities, such as a pet gear swap and Shrinky-Dink making.
The event will take place at several shops in North Center, including Mrs. Murphy & Sons, Free MVMT Shop, and Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream.
FAQs
Q: What is the Reverse Black Friday Market?
A: The Reverse Black Friday Market is an alternative shopping experience that promotes sustainability and community engagement. It will feature over 30 Chicago-area artisans selling upcycled crafts.
Q: What types of crafts can I expect to find at the market?
A: You can expect to find a variety of upcycled crafts, including jewelry, bags, furniture, and more.
Q: Are there any eco-friendly activities at the market?
A: Yes, the market will feature eco-friendly activities, such as a pet gear swap and Shrinky-Dink making.
Q: Will there be food and drink available?
A: Yes, Mrs. Murphy & Sons will have free Teeling Irish whiskey samples and cocktails for purchase, alongside live Irish music. Bartleby’s will serve apple cider and hot chocolate affogatos.
Q: Is the market family-friendly?
A: Yes, the market is family-friendly and will feature activities suitable for all ages.
