San Mercado returning on March 30

New art shows, new and returning vendors, and a children’s egg hunt will all help herald the arrival of Spring at the March 30 San Mercado in downtown San Marcos. Activities are slated to take place in the garden and inside the Price Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Local artist and author Veronique Hahn’s new solo show, titled “Natural Beauty,” covers a 20-year span of multi-media works inspired by some of nature’s finest forms, including roses, shells and the human face. Visitors can meet and talk with Hahn during her Artist’s Reception from 10 a.m. – noon in the Tea Room.

Additional art on display during this month’s Mercado include more than two dozen artworks showcasing the best of SMCISD K-12 visual art as selected by each individual school’s art teacher hanging in the 1910 Room. The Indigenous Cultures Institute is also presenting works by youth who participated in ICI’s Annual Indigenous Arts Summer Encounter in the historic 1893 Room. The group will also have hand-crafted goods for purchase.

Free children’s activities during the event include a “make your own” arts and crafts table and an Easter Egg hunt for children slated to take place in the Garden at 2 p.m.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Indigenous Cultures Institute, other new vendors, and our returning vendors like Bakes and Cakes by Rosie,” said Clay DeStefano, executive director. “And we’ve still got room for more vendors,” he added.

To that end, a 25 percent off discount on booth rentals is again being offered to artists, makers and culturally-centric vendors to help diversify and grow the market.

Fabric art. 

Admission to the Mercado is free and open to all. The Price Center will also be offering a variety of drinks and treats for $1 donations, including coffee and soft drinks.

Interested in participating? San Mercado booths are available, welcomed and encouraged for both private and retail vendors. “Multi-family” booths welcome. Vendors pay $20 for outdoor booths and $30 for indoor booths. (Be sure to ask if you qualify for the 25 percent discount.)

Vendor spaces are filled on a firstcome, first-served basis and advanced registration is advised. Participants will need to bring their own tents, tables and necessary display equipment. Set up is from 8-9 a.m. on the day of the event. A limited number of tables are available for rent at $10 each.

The monthly market is made possible in part through grant funds from the San Marcos Arts Commission. Proceeds from booth rentals benefit the Price Center, which is operated by the Greater San Marcos Area Seniors Association (GSMASA), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. For more information, including reserving booth space, please call 512-392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St. Mon. – Fri., 9-5 p.m., or visit Price Center's website .