Eco Urban Crafts Market: Shop, Be Green, and Be Merry!

Sunday afternoons in May usually mean of two things: being bored to death by grandma's seemingly neverending tales about the neighbour's annoying cat over a piece of stale cake, or having to cram for exams/trying to make deadline/finishing a paper. All this, of course, made all the more unbearable because of the lovely weather outside, and all of your friends having somewhere more exciting to go or do... Fear not, dear MTB-ladies: this year, there is at least one Sunday afternoon in May which you can spend far away from your worries, while being green and... having fun shopping at the same time: Welcome to the Eco Urban Crafts Market!

Former UGent staff member and allround innovative/creative genius Sofie Steen, the driving force behind 'Oase Gantoise', i.e. "the best alternative to the Gentse Feesten", and 'Table d'Oase', a monthly open-to-all (registration required!) dinner party offering global cuisine at her unique Ghent house, started the Eco Urban Crafts Markt about a year ago. Sofie handpicks a number of artists (and hobby-ists) and craftsmen who manufacture anything from table lamps, jewellery, scarves and handbags to furniture, chocolates and bubble bath. Their innovative designs and original products are put on display and sold at prices which are kind to everyone's wallet. One 'conditio sine qua non': all products have to be produced in an ecological way and/or made out of organic materials. 

Living in an ecologically friendly way is not easy, and one has to be creative to do it. Sofie herself has long been bitten by the ecological bug, which came to the fore especially in her jewellery design. A couple of years back, entrepreneurial Sofie started  'Recyclear', a unique Ghent-based jewellery brand. By recycling used buttons, she creates gorgeous earrings, rings, hair clips etc. The packaging is remarkable as well: all of the cards are different, and feature one of Sofie's hubby Kim's colourful designs. Obviously, 'Recyclear' too will be represented at the Eco Markt.

Twice before, Sofie has managed to draw in the crowds for her Eco Market with her great selection of innovative 'green goods'. But there is more to the Market than shopping: bands and DJs set the tone and will have you up and dancing in no time, and a delicious array of organic (and veggie) snacks (animation artist Kim happens to be an excellent chef to boot) and drinks are guaranteed to keep you going while browsing the many stalls.

While the previous (winter) edition took place at the 'Huis van Alijn', this time, on Sunday May 5, Sofie will set up shop at the Nieuwevaart, where the studios of 'vzw het Vogelnest' are situated. In that unique loft setting, overlooking Ghent's harbour, you will definitely be able to escape any thesis deadline stress and imminent exams. 

The Eco Market is part of a thrilling three-day arts festival 'EI#3/Polytalent'. The festival features recent works by their artists in residence, and a very special guest artist whose identity cannot be disclosed just yet... but you'll be amazed, that's for sure! You'll also be able to participate in a variety of workshops, enjoy bands, see circus acts perform, or simply enjoy a drink with your friends.

So, save the date (May 5) for an afternoon of Ecological Escapism at the Eco Urban Crafts Market!

For more information and updates on the festival, go to www.hetvogelnest.be.

You can find Oase Gantoise and Recyclear on Facebook.

Should you be interested in participating in the Eco Urban Crafts Market, send an email to Sofie Steen at oasegantoise@hotmail.com