Idaho-ho-ho welcomes the beloved art/craft show yet again.
By Elle Parker
Photos by Kimberlee Miller
Everyone knows the sight: snow dusts every tree on Harrison Boulevard and lights twinkle entrancingly…the smell of pine fills the brisk air and the anticipation grows for Christmas to arrive. As the holiday season rolls around, there is no better place to be than Boise, and its annual Wintry Market! This delightful “upscale and inventive Idaho indie art/craft show” has been bestowing the Christmas spirit upon Boiseans for the last eight years.
Amy Pence-Brown and Kristin Montgomery, who call themselves ‘Team Wintry,’ organize the entirety of the Wintry Market by themselves. Pence-Brown (a body-image activist, writer, artist, and historian) and Montgomery (an interior designer, crafter, and art enthusiast) met through mutual friends at U of I and hit it off years later with their shared passion for art and community connection. In 2010, after spending months researching other popular American holiday markets, the two created the Wintry Market; they realized that there was a need for a market prior to the holidays to kick off the merriment. While it used to be held at odd locations including the rehearsal hall at Ballet Idaho and the old Sage International School gymnasium, this year it will take place on floors 5 and 6 of JUMP Boise! The Wintry Market has come a long way from when it first began, and this year, 70+ exceptional vendors will be present, all of which abide by fairly “strict guidelines/requirements… for [the] curation process.” These top-notch creators provide an array of “quirky, edgy, and quality handmade items,” all priced between $1-200. Last winter, this event was even mentioned by Food & Wine Magazine! There is so much to see and experience at the market for everyone—whether you’re interested in clothing, posters, furniture, baby items, art, or just delicious food and drinks, the whole family is sure to be entertained.
This event is free and open to the public, but you can purchase tickets for VIP Opening Night Party through the link featured on their website (at bottom), but tickets are limited, so act fast! With this ticket, you’ll receive access to delectable appetizers, a raffle, and a no-host bar on Friday, November 16th from 6-9pm. Pence-Brown and Montgomery guarantee that “your gifts will certainly be the most unique under the tree” if you shop Wintry Market. These gifts show the thought and detail that every good gift should, with an added bonus of a memorable experience at the classic Boise event.
On a chilly winter day, nothing will warm up the family like a healthy dose of the Christmas spirit, a good cup of coffee, and lots of shopping! Luckily, you can find all of these at the Wintry Market. Come check out these talented makers and artists, and make sure to say hi to the lovely curators Amy Pence-Brown and Kristin Montgomery as well.
Attend the festivities at JUMP Boise’s 5th & 6th floors on November 17th-18th from 10 am-5pm.
Wintrymarket.com
Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest @WintryMarket
and Facebook as “Wintry and Summery Market”. Better yet, attend the festivities at JUMP Boise’s 5th & 6th floors on November 17th-18th from 10 am-5pm.
