As the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market’s Opening Day approaches on May 14, the market team is hard at work putting the final touches on plans for an extraordinary 27th season.
To kick things off, the SFAM board of directors and staff recently unveiled the season’s official artwork created by Sarah Necco, generously sponsored by Rainshadow Café.
Necco, a watercolor and mixed media artist and Sequim local, brings the market scene to life by drawing inspiration from the iconic natural settings that create the beautiful Sequim we call home.
The piece, depicting an abundant Saturday market morning, will provide the foundation for the market season’s promotional flyer. The piece will also be featured on tote bags and commemorative season posters available for sale at the Market Information Booth throughout the season.
All proceeds directly benefit the continued growth of Sequim’s community market.
“The focus of this piece is definitely the incredible vendors that we’re lucky to have here at the market,” Necco says. “Such a variety of incredible produce and artisan pieces, showcasing all of that work was really the inspiration.”
This original piece will be showcased throughout the month of May at Rainshadow Café, with a selection of Necco’s original pieces available for purchase.
Rainshadow Café’s sponsorship of this season’s market art and support of Necco is a steady continuance of the business’s commitment to supporting local artists.
“While you’re sitting down for a cup of joe in the cafe, visiting with friends, or doing work, wherever your eye goes it’ll find art that is special and unique,” café owner Dominique Hall says. “Above the coffee bags, on the windowsills, in nooks… every part of Rainshadow is a little bit of art. It’s a very playful and warming place to be.”
Necco acknowledges the importance of entities like Rainshadow Café and the market continuing to amplify the work of local artists.
“It’s encouraging for artists on the peninsula for people to value their work,” she says. “It feels wonderful to be seen by the community.”
The expanded collaboration between Rainshadow Café and SFAM has been a natural process.
“The farmers market is a place where people can offer up homemade art and good food, and that’s also what we’re all about,” Hall says. “We make everything from scratch at Rainshadow. The market has the best fruit and vegetable stands from local farms, which is something that makes us proud because we like ‘feel-good food,’ I think we fit well with the market.”
A longtime partner of the market, Rainshadow Café makes a great stop to rest after a lively day spent enjoying market offerings.
“They might’ve purchased something from the farmers to take home for a wonderful dinner,” Hall says, “but they pop in here for a great pastry or cup of coffee to enjoy from the covered, outdoor seating as they watch others come and go from the market.”
Market buzz continues to grow as Opening Day is less than three weeks away! Market fans are marking their calendars in anticipation of joining their community in celebration of the local gifts of the region.
“It’s just fun to stroll through the market,” Necco says. “The smells, the visuals, the happy faces, it’s such a vibe booster to pick up yummy produce and handmade goods. I love it.”
Necco’s original piece depicting the artwork will be on display in Rainshadow Café.
To learn more about SFAM Season Artist, Sarah Necco, head to her Instagram page at @sarah.g.necco.
Vsit SFAM partner Rainshadow Café daily at 157 W. Cedar St.
Enjoy your community market every Saturday, May 14-Oct. 29, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Sequim Civic Center Plaza at North Sequim Avenue and West Cedar Street.
Emma Jane Garcia is the Director for the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.
