Are you an artist interested in showcasing and selling your work at art markets and shows? Or perhaps you've participated in art markets before but feel uncertain about how the landscape is evolving?
About this event
Join us for an enlightening conversation with seasoned art market/show runners as we dive into the shifting dynamics of art markets today. While online sales are growing, in-person art shows and markets remain a vital space for artists and collectors to connect face-to-face. Our panel of experts will explore the current state of art markets and how they present valuable opportunities for artists to present their work directly to buyers.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or preparing for your first market, this panel will provide actionable insights to help you navigate the ins and outs of in-person events and maximize these opportunities. Our panel is focused on markets in North Carolina, however, these insights can be used for other regional and national markets as well.
This free discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 12-1pm via Zoom. Registration is required. Although the event is free, we appreciate any small donations at checkout. As a non-profit, your support helps us continue offering valuable programming like this to our arts community!
Zoom details will be provided upon registration. The session will be recorded, but we encourage live attendance for those with specific questions.
About The Panelists
Justin Rabuck is a leading voice in Asheville’s creative community and a steadfast advocate for artists and makers across Western North Carolina. A graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Justin has built a career dedicated to amplifying local talent and fostering robust and inclusive creative economies. In 2008, he co-founded The Big Crafty, a beloved biannual art and craft fair that has been voted the region’s top event of its kind every year since its founding. Known for its joyful spirit and broad community appeal, The Big Crafty quickly became a cornerstone of Asheville’s cultural calendar, has served as a launchpad for hundreds of regional artists, and is itself a powerful economic engine. Justin is also an organizer and longtime team member of Asheville's chapter of the Creative Mornings global speaker series.
Caitlin Ward was born and raised in downtown Raleigh. She opened Hartwell with her husband, Matt, in 2021 with a goal to serve as a community space that highlights local makers and artisans of all kinds. Hartwell’s building was originally her grandfather’s grocery store in the late 1950s. Today, Hartwell is a store-front home to over 25 makers and local artists, a space for all to sip, relax and gather in downtown Raleigh. Caitlin and her husband also own a residential property business focusing on the restoration and preservation of homes in the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood. Her favorite role is as a mom to her 3 kids.
Lidia Werntz is a Mexican immigrant, creative entrepreneur, and the founder of Maker’s Market CLT, a grassroots vendor market platform that has grown from a one-time pop-up into a 150+ event per year powerhouse in the Charlotte community. Lidia started the market to create a low-cost, low-stakes space for emerging businesses — one where makers can grow, connect, and experiment without pressure. Known for her positive energy, inclusive vibe, and a passion for building others up, Lidia has cultivated a market that feels less like work and more like a joyful community hangout — where you just happen to make money while expressing your creativity.