Adrian Travis of Aurora has had a long history with crystals and found a nice collection of them at an artisan market event at Art History Brewing in Geneva over the weekend.
“I’ve been drawn to crystals for years. I have hundreds of them, and each crystal represents something different,” Travis said while visiting with a vendor known as That Girl at the Market during the event on Sunday.
The six-hour event at Art History Brewing in Geneva was offered by the Streetz Artz Alliance group and featured more than a dozen local artisans whose products ranged from hot sauce and custom woodwork to body care products, jewelry, bread, pickles and more.
Organizers said all vendors were located less than 25 miles from the brewery, making all products and services locally-based.
Villa Park resident John Streetz, owner of the Artz Alliance group, said the brewery has been involved with shows the past two years and that while it remains a smaller show compared to others he has organized, “the three or four shows we do a year with them are well-supported.”
Art History has “award-winning beer and the staff there is amazing,” he said.
Streetz said the artisans at the event included “people who have worked with us for a long time.”
“We have people also who have worked with us just recently,” he said. “One of our goals is to always have a mix of artists that includes newbies. That way, the people who come to shop can find a nice variety and know that there’s going to be something new every time they come.”
Brewery staff including Chelsea Wisz of Aurora said patrons have enjoyed “shopping while having a beer.”
“It’s a great pairing. I mean, who doesn’t want to shop with a beer in your hand? We like to support local artists and let them display their work,” she said. “Our regulars have really taken to having this extra feature at the brewery. They love it and it definitely creates more foot traffic.”
Michelle Oswald of Carol Stream held a beer while talking to vendors on Sunday and said she had bought a candle and was looking for more.
“Having a beer and doing some craft shopping, it’s right up our alley,” Oswald said.
Oswald said supporting local businesses is important.
“What better way to support local entrepreneurs than drinking local beer and supporting local businesses? I’d rather buy local than anywhere else,” she said.
Shareen Mullen of Elgin was likewise enjoying a beer while she shopped, something that she said she “had never done before, but I like the idea.”
“As far as shopping, I like the variety and I think having a good mixture draws a crowd,” Mullen said at the event. “Given the space they have here they’ve done a good job.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
