Getting to Know The Artisan Market

The Artisan Market of Naples at 8793 Tamiami Trail East in the St. Andrews Plaza has quickly become the place to be since its grand opening on Friday, September 4. With an ideal location nestled between Marco Island and 5th Ave, right off Tamiami Trail, residents from all around can conveniently visit this fully air-conditioned and ever-changing indoor market for all things handmade!

Owner Kristine Pannone, who originally hails from Rhode Island, saw the need for a market like this around three years ago. “We actually have something similar to this in Rhode Island,” Pannone said. She referred to the concept of an indoor artist’s market, “And every year I go back and I visit it. And I started thinking: Naples really needs this.”

Pannone touched on the fact that many artists, crafters, and market vendors are typically outside selling their work, and the Florida heat can be unkind. Additionally, “A lot of them don’t get recognized for their work. I thought Naples really needed this for the community, for the artists themselves, and for the vendors – and that is what it is all about – them,” she said, gesturing to the room full of booths and their owners, each with their own talents and abilities.

The market is comprised of both permanent booths and rotating daily vendors, so each day is something new! Ever the lively atmosphere, people can come together, shop, and peruse handmade goods, foods, and various art. There are also special events such as DIY crafting, tastings, and a Kids Market Day.

“A lot of artists that aren't known yet have different opportunities here. They can rent a space and not have to pay for a storefront. They can rent a table, or they can do commissions. So, we've got all kinds of ways to be known here! And everything is handmade.”

Pannone is no stranger to the struggles that an artist can face on their journey. Her own love for art began as just a teenager in high school. She has since traveled the world studying art in different countries, many with her dad, and has a deepened appreciation for each form art can take.

Pannone is married to Joe, who can be seen regularly assisting at the market, and they share two children, a son and a daughter, and two grandsons, all of whom made the move to Florida with her 14 years ago.

Her own talents include acrylic painting and pencil drawing, but they do not limit her. She now enjoys and is excited to be the hub for other artists and outlet for their expression.

She has poured herself into creating The Artisan Market of Naples through much sacrifice on her part, including selling her car to provide the funding to obtain and then renovate the location. “I did it for the artists. This is all for them,” said Pannone. And after nearly three years of hard and dedicated work to make the space happen, the market is now thriving.

“It has been a long process. A lot of the vendors have hung in with me that long too.” Which is what The Artisan Market of Naples is all about. “Getting these artists known, it’s a place for them to sell and for the community to get together.”

With the daily vendors rotating, “We are getting more and more interesting people in here every day! It has been amazing.” On the shoppers' side, she shared that a mother and son duo have been in to shop every single day! Loving the ever-changing variety, they are a perfect example of community stopping in to support small and local businesses and blossoming artists.

Examples of a permanent vendor and a daily vendor can be found with:

Artist Robyn Grimaldi, owner of Norby Studios, permanent vendor

Grimaldi shared that she is a frequent customer of the coffee shop in the plaza and was thrilled when she saw the signage for the market coming soon!

“I’ve actually been looking for something like this for a long time.” She gestured to the market space around her. “For me, it was the perfect. It checked all my boxes for what I was looking for. To be able to have a place to show people my art, and what makes it unique.” Grimaldi’s goal is to be a zero-waste studio, recycling and reusing as much as possible. She specializes in textured art, watercolor, minimalist abstract art, print designs, and more! Most of her canvas supplies are thrifted, and she tries not to use any single-use plastic or disposable products in her art.

She praised the market and Pannone herself. “She wants the artists to create art while they're here! So, I'm using it as both a studio and gallery space.” Grimaldi was creating a new piece as she spoke with the Coastal Breeze News.

“It's a hobby, but it allows me to meet people and talk to other artists.” She also appreciates the air conditioning!

www.norbystudios.com

Jenny B Permanent Jewelry and Accessories, daily vendor

In addition to her own studio located in Naples, Jenny B is a frequent vendor at markets across the county and performs pop-up shops at establishments such as yoga studios, spas, coffee shops, and more.

“I’ve always believed that nurturing your inner peace is essential, but I’ve also learned that celebrating your outer self adds to that harmony.”

Being able to get her expansive collection of permanent jewelry, customizable claw clips, and seasonal surprises to a variety of customers through different avenues has been a joyful experience, as she frequently makes repeat customers who love her quality products, variety of charms, and experienced eye.

She is friends with one of the permanent vendors at the market and jumped on the chance to become a daily vendor, adding The Artisan Market of Naples to her list of local establishments to be a part of on a rotating basis.

www.jennybyjewelry.com

Stay tuned to the Coastal Breeze News to get to know more vendors!

The Artisan Market of Naples, 8793 Tamiami Trail East in the St. Andrews Plaza, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.