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because they may know them or go to church with them. I think people really like knowing their money is staying here and when the vendors get money, their money stays here.” Milis then said that through the colorful blend of crafts sold by vendors, many different styles are pre-
sented to appeal to a wide range of tastes. For fans of hand-made gifts with a southern feel, including everything from personally crafted duck calls to crocheted bracelets, this place is heaven. “We are very diverse in terms of the crafts our vendors make and sell,” she said. “We have five potters here, but each one of them is different. We have a lot of people doing jewelry and quilts, but everyone is different.” As artists promote themselves via The Maker’s Market, Milis said, the local attitude has evolved and welcomed each craftsperson into the fold of the business and art communities “I think in having a place like this and having more art available, more people are willing to come out and show off their crafts. Tuscaloosa is definitely embracing these artists more.” McQueen, who has been a vendor at the Maker’s Market for a little over a year, pointed to local talent that deserves recognition and said that it is reflective of the downtown business renaissance. “It is good to see the locals involved with arts and crafts and I would love to see more local talent along with outside talent from outside the com-
munity, “ he said. “I appreciate makers market because they give west Alabama talent that opportunity. I can just saw from a consumer standpoint, I really like what Tuscaloosa is doing for the downtown district and appreciate everyone who is playing a role in that. I’m glad to see our downtown is being revitalized and as a citizen of the community it is just great. “ Despite the success had by Milis at the Maker’s Market, she said that the location could easily go overlooked, given its downtown location on the same block as a new Which Wich restaurant. “Our biggest obstacle is where we are at,” she said. “There have never really been retail outlets here and when people see our address on 22nd avenue, they often miss us, even for people who have lived in Tuscaloosa
their whole lives.” Enjoying your work is crucial in any field, and for Milis, her own art is a source of joy along with providing opportunities to other local artists. “I like recycled stuff, anything that is kind of different,” she said. “I love the state and Alabama pride crafts but the recycled crafts are my favorite. Its just my preference, quilting is kind of recycling too—Recycling is just something I have always thought we needed to do.” For those interested in visiting the Maker’s Market, it is located at 401 22nd Avenue and is a short walk from Wilhagen’s and Green Bar. To learn more, call 561.6666.
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