1stSatArtMarket

by the artists

Back to media page.

First Saturday Arts Market has been a great place to connect with people who live in my area, who love locally produced art. Every art market day is unique, but the underlying support from the First Saturday Arts Market team is constant. It is well worth the day’s work.

 Penny Robinson, photography

When I moved to Houston from Ohio, over seven years ago, First Saturday Arts Market was one of my first markets. Not only has participating then helped me grow professionally, it’s also allowed numerous opportunities unrelated to the Market. Once you’re plugged into to the market, you’re plugged into the pulse of the Houston Art Scene. 

Lauren Luna, painter

[For artists] Collectors, new and old continue to find this market and come back for the art, but also have caught on to the magic and the joy the artists bring each month as they show their wares. 

Tonya Engel Foster, painter

[For artists] Great community of high quality, experienced, professional artists while also being a venue for people new to the art market arena. You will learn everything from what you need to write a successful application to get into a curated show to what you need for an outdoor show in the way of display, weights, tent, etc. It’s a very professional show that is also a blast to be a part of. 

Michael Hardy, fine woodworking artist

I avoid most markets because First Saturday Arts Market is so well run, organized, and has a true art buying crowd. Nothing else locally has compared. The artists make me feel welcome. It’s the first artist community I joined when I started selling and has helped me grow. Do your art and yourself a favor and apply. 

Brandi Untz digital artist

It’s a great place to bring everyone – from the kids to the grandparents – to see what our local creatives are making. There’s a variety of artists on the roster each month with all price points. Don’t be shy about going into the booths and chatting with the artists. Or just to browse and enjoy the music! Come back on different months to see different artists because the roster does change.

Caroline Truong illustrator

I’m one of the first artists to join First Saturday Arts Market. I have shown off and on for many years and always enjoy the show. Its well organized and Mitch is easy to get along with. Set up and take down is easy peezee! The customers are always in attendance. You see old faces that come often and new faces who have never experienced such a good art market.

Cindy Cherrington glass artist

Often imitated, never outdone — this is the best art market in town. Artists go through a jurying process to get in, and it shows in the exciting original art and well-crafted handmade items, plus yummy food trucks and music.

Rikki Mitman, multi-media artist
Rikki attended the market in our first year!

I have had the privilege and good fortune to be a First Saturday Arts Market “artist” for 13 years.  I put “artist” in quotes because my art medium is soap.  Not a traditional art form.  Mitch took a chance on me long ago, and the first Saturday continues to be my favorite day of the month.  It has been interesting to watch the market grow and change over the years.  Thirteen years ago, there were a good number of artists, mostly local, one musician, no food or drinks available.  Over the years, the number of artists has increased, the quality of artist has gone up tremendously, and now I meet artists from far away who have traveled to be part of our market.  FSAM has an excellent blend of painters, jewelry artists, ceramics, photographers, creative multimedia artists, beautiful handmade wood furniture, and on and on.  Every month now I meet new artists there, but there is a core group of artists who are always there too.  It truly is a wonderful art market, now with multiple musicians, food trucks, beer and wine.  And we recently moved to a larger location next door to the original space.  It is lively, and the crowd continues to grow bigger and bigger.  It is a very impressive, fun event.  Not to mention you can leave there with some wonderful art!

Cammie Cain soap maker
Cammie joined the first month in our current location.

Doing anything with success for 15 years is quite an accomplishment. Running a successful monthly art market for 15 years is extraordinary. First Saturday Arts Market turns 15 this March. I was there in the beginning and have had the honor of watching it turn into the premier monthly art destination in Texas.

Things always change over time. First Saturday Arts Market is no exception. In 15 years it’s changed, had at times incredible growing pains, even relocated a couple times. Despite every possible challenge, 2 things have remained unchanged…..

1. The constant heartbeat of love and creative spirit that is poured into every piece of work on display in each exhibitors booth. Whether it’s 20 booths or 50 booths this energy is palpable, and it’s what keeps people coming back for more.
2. The never ending drive and determination of Market founder Mitchell Cohen to assure the best possible market experience for both artist and patron.

Whether it’s painting, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, glass, metalwork, live music, the city’s best food trucks or just a great way to spend a day, you will find it all at First Saturday Arts Market!!!!! The 15 year anniversary is Saturday, March 2nd. Come see what all the fuss is about, we are kind of a big deal!!!! And in the words of our fearless cat herder Mitch … “Exercise, Eat Right, Buy Art!”

Steve Sellers, jewelry designer

Back to media page.