There's a new name to the monthly art market downtown at the 1894 City Market, but visitors will still find the same unique array of local artists, vendors, music and more.
Held at 105 Olive St. at the former Ritchie Grocery building, what's now called the City Market used to be called Second Saturday Trade Days. Typically, the market will be held on the month's second Saturday, but some days it will vary, depending on other events the city may host nearby at Front Street Festival Plaza.
On this Saturday, the City Market will adopt a Valentine's Day theme from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, artists, gifts and music. Georgia Hubnik, whose art gallery is located inside, said single red carnations will be on sale.
Singer Caitlyn Alysse Barber (of Trophy Husband) will perform starting at noon. Artist Danny Helms will demonstrate oil painting, and children can make Valentine's Day cards.
"You can always find beautiful and unique gifts in the 1894 Gallery," Hubnik said. "A great selection of hand-blown glass by James Hayes, and other remarkable pieces of art."
Vendors this Saturday will provide handmade jewelry of all varieties (such as copper jewelry and bangles), coin purses, hand-sculptured motorcycles, accessories, Scentsy products and art.
"We have many wonderful vendors and crafts and we welcome everyone from garage sales, collectors, precious memories and authentic collectors, musicians and singers, etc.," said Rhonda Maxwell, manager of the 1894 City Market's market days. She can be reached at 870-772-5026 if people are interested in joining the City Market.
"Come be a part of building on the history, hearts and arts of Texarkana," she said. "It's the place to be."
David Peavy, 1894 City Market owner, has been further renovating the building to include living spaces. He will be giving tours of one remodeled apartment at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Across the street from the 1894 City Market, Peavy's railcar project, The Flying Crow, is a former lounge car refurbished for future use as an event space and restaurant.
Other City Market events are scheduled for the coming months: March 2 (to coincide with the Mardi Gras parade and celebration downtown), April 13 (Easter) and May 11 (to coincide with Railfest). All run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(On the Net: 1894CityMarket.com.)