As the founder of Richmond Makers Market, a monthly market where local artists and artisans peddle their wares, Marie D’Angelo enjoys fostering interactions between people from different walks of life.
“You see a grandma buying something from a punk rock painter,” says D’Angelo of the market. “You see someone who makes candles and teaches school for a living.”
Usually held on the first Saturday of each month, the Richmond Makers Market hosts about 40 vendors on average.
“You’re meeting the actual people who are creating things, instead of going to Target or even buying something on Etsy where it’s shipped to you,” D’Angelo says. “It’s all about connections and the community that we’re building between each other.”
D’Angelo, who previously worked in the music industry, women’s rights activism and digital strategy, says the market came about after she and another woman launched a business selling crystals and jewelry. One December—which is the biggest month for sales—they didn’t have an event booked so she decided to launch Richmond Makers Market.
Twice a year, for both national and local Pride in June and September, Richmond Makers Market hosts The Queer Weekend, a block party where artists, small businesses and nonprofits gather to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
In July 2023, D’Angelo launched the monthly Basic City Makers Market in Waynesboro; they are at work curating the merchandise that will be sold at By Any Beans Necessary, an upcoming queer and anarchist bookstore, coffee shop and restaurant in North Highland Park. Starting in May, D’Angelo and Mo Karnage will host Saturday morning farmers markets at Legend Brewing Co.
On Dec. 7 and 8, Richmond Makers Market will host its sixth annual Holiday Cheers event at Basic City Beer Co. and Legend. On Dec. 15, it will host an event at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.
“I curate more than art,” D’Angelo explains. “I curate connections for these artists. I make a space where they’re able to feed off each other’s energy.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the neighborhood location of By Any Beans Necessary. It is North Highland Park.
