For the LGBTQ+ community, being able to have a space to get together and share common interests is extremely important. That is now a possiblity with the Queer Craft Market hosted by Queer Craft Maine. On October 16th, at the Portland Gear Hub, multiple different small businesses and artists made an appearance to share their love of art. Queer Craft Maine’s misson is to provide spaces for queer artists in Maine, while also providing opportunities to connect with fellow artists, and assisting them in pursuing their goals.
Walking up to the event, it’s easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed seeing all the different people and tables available, but once you get to start talking with the different artists, you will become immersed in the welcoming and safe atmosphere that they build. Not only were snacks and water supplied, there were pumpkins to decorate, and even a table with supplies to make a small ghost friend. The artists were all an absolute delight to talk to and they’re more than happy to share more about their crafts. Some artists made and sold pottery, stickers, coloring books, clothes, jewelry, and many different sorts of decorations.
These markets seem to have succeeded in providing a safe space not only for their artists, but for the people visiting as well. A survey is sent out to the artists after every market, and majority of the responses say they made average to above average in sales. It’s impossible not to walk away without buying something as there was something for everyone. “I think the key is to find what makes your art unique and run wild with it,” said Charlie Hindall, the Director of Queer Crafts Maine as well as the Director of Rainbow Arts Collective, the umbrella organization that Queer Crafts Maine falls under.
Charlie Hindall, alongside the Assistant Director River Nation, started Queer Crafts Maine about a year ago, and they have grown rapidly in that one year. So far, their plan has to hold a craft market once per season, while the Rainbow Arts Collective also hosts a Queer Craft Club and Lavender Choir. Both groups make an effort to be as inclusive and beginner-friendly as possible, advertising that anyone at any skill level can participate, and both meet weekly at the Equality Community Center (ECC) at 15 Casco Street, Downtown Portland. The ECC has also hosted the previous Winter and Spring Queer Craft Markets. Queer art markets have grown in popularity recently that Queer Crafts Maine is not the only market being put on, such as R Nichole Studio that helps organize a Queer Makers Market at Congress Square Park.
“Not everyone is in a position where they can safely be loud and proud about their identity, be a queer-rights advocate, or vote in ways that support the LGBTQIA+ community- but everyone can show up to a free, outdoor market, and just show that they are there for these artists, that they want to hear their voices and see their artwork,” Hindall told me. “It feels incredibly joyful and powerful.”
More information about their groups, markets, and how to participate can be found on their website rainbowarts collective.org, or @rainbowartscollective on social media. You could also contact Charlie Hindall directly at charliehindall.com or @charlie_hindall on Instagram.