FAQS
(frequently asked questions)
Health and Safety
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The health and safety of our community is our first priority, please CLICK HERE to find the steps we’re taking to help keep everyone safe.
Venue
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Arlene's Artist Materials
57 Fuller Rd
Albany, NY 12205
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SPRING/FALL MARKETS
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These Makers Markets are held outdoors, rain or shine!
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Leashed pets and service animals are welcome to join in on the fun.
HOLIDAYS MARKETS
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These Makers Markets will be held inside Arlene's.
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Leashed pets and service animals are welcome to join in on the fun.
Transportation and Parking
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Transportation
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We encourage carpooling, ride services, biking, or taking public transportation to Arlene’s and the Markets.
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Public Transportation to the venue:
CDTA Bus to Arlene’s
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117 Colonie Crosstown (Crossgates to Albany Shaker Road) (Albany Shaker Road to Crossgates)
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190 Fuller Rd - Wolf Road (Latham Farms to Crossgates Mall) (Crossgates Mall to Latham Farms)
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Parking
There is free parking available at Arlene's parking lot. Parking is limited. Note: We DO NOT have designated overflow parking; however, street parking and public parking may be available offsite. Arlene's does not manage or monitor any offsite parking.
Accessibility
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The Makers Markets at Arlene's are entirely on the ground level and accessible. These events are either held in our parking lot behind the store or on the main level inside Arlene's, so it has no specific infrastructure designed around disabled access, but please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have.
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Are the Markets Kid Friendly?
Yes, the Markets are free to attend and the whole family is welcome!
Can I bring my Dog?
Yes, Arlene’s and the Markets are dog friendly and we encourage you to post using the hashtag #dogsofarlenes
Will I be photographed at the Makers Market at Arlene’s?
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Arlene’s Artist Materials (Arlene’s) photographs all of our events. By attending the market you hereby grant Arlene’s and its employees, agents, and assignees, the absolute and irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, reproduce, portray, and/or otherwise exploit my voice, appearance, photograph, image, and/or likeness (collectively, “Likeness”) of me at the Makers Market at Arlene’s, and to use the results and proceeds, without limitation, in materials produced by Arlene’s in any and all media, in perpetuity. You hereby waive any claim to compensation for use of such likeness. You agree that Arlene’s owns the images and all rights related to them. The images may be used by Arlene’s in any manner or media without notifying me, such as the Makers Markets at Arlene’s website, publications, promotions, advertisements, and posters for advertising or other related purposes. You waive any right to inspect or approve the finished images or any printed or electronic matter that may be used with them. To the extent that you are a parent or guardian of a minor or minors who will be attending the Makers Market at Arlene’s with you, you hereby expressly approve and consent to this Visual/Audio/Image Release and waive all obligations and rights which you may have in connection therewith. For good and valuable consideration, you hereby guarantee that the minor or minors shall not at any time disaffirm the Visual/Audio/Image Release by reason of the minor’s or minors’ minority or otherwise and hereby agree to indemnify Arlene’s from any loss arising from any claims made by or on behalf of the minors relating to his Visual/Audio/Image Release.
Application and Notification Dates
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Markets are juried, curated, and produced by Arlene's Artist Materials with help from our advisory committee. Makers are encouraged to read through our Apply Page before filling out our Makers Application. Applications and notifications are on a seasonal schedule, allowing ample time to prepare for the event. Please see the timetable below for Market-specific run dates, and feel free to contact us with any questions during the application process.
SPRING MAKERS MARKET 2023 TIMELINE
Application Process: January 28th through February 25, 2023
Application Deadline: end of business, 5 pm, Saturday, February 25th, 2023
Accepted Makers Notified by: Saturday, March 4th,
Makers Market Dates: Friday, May 12, 2023, & Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 11 am to 4 pm
FALL MAKERS MARKET 2023 TIMELINE
Application Process: Monday, June 10, 2023, to Saturday, July 15, 2023
Makers Application Deadline: end of business, 5 pm, Saturday, July 13, 2023
Selected Makers will be notified by Saturday, July 22, 2023
Fall Makers Market at Arlene’s Dates: Friday, September 1, 2023, and Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 11 am to 4 pm
HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET 2023 TIMELINE
Application Process: Monday, August 7, 2023, to Saturday, September 9, 2023
Application Deadline: end of business, 5 pm, Saturday, September 9, 2023
Accepted Makers Notified by: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Makers Market Dates: Saturdays, November 11th, 25th, and December 9, 203 from 11 am to 4 pm
What are we looking for in a Maker?
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We are looking for makers, including artists, artisans, and small businesses that offer well-designed quality products. Makers that have a clear voice whether expressed through a traditional medium or something experimental. We review each application carefully and thoughtfully, and base our vision for the markets on the criteria below:
QUALITY
You use quality materials and techniques to make your work durable, sustainable, and market ready. Additionally, your items are priced to provide a balance of quality and accessibility for our shoppers.
LOOK
Your work, branding, and packaging should be clean, professional, and special (shows your voice and speaks to your brand).
HANDMADE
Your work is designed and/or handmade by you. We are open to various types of handmade items as long as they are appropriate for retail. If you outsource your work in any way, please describe your supply chain, including your relationship with the makers in your application.
Participation Categories
Makers
The heart of our Markets! Sell your work to shoppers, meet new customers, present your work to wholesale buyers, get your small business in front of our online following, and be a part of our wonderful creative community.
Food + Drink Vendors
Small batch, quality ingredients, and beautiful presentation: The Makers Markets at Arlene’s food vendors appeal to customers and Makers looking for great snacks and/or delicious gifts.
All vendors selling packaged edible goods, including drinks, should consider applying as a Maker. If you’d like to prepare and serve food onsite, please check out the Food Vendors section of our website.
Art Pop-ups + Site-Based Projects
If you’d like to offer a site-based project or services at a market, please email us your project idea and we’ll work together to bring it to life at the Market. Examples of experiential services include art installations, specialty photography, intuitive readings, portrait drawings, vintage collectors, and anything in between!
Want to feature your furniture at a Market, and reach new clients and customers? Or install an impactful, beautiful art installation that will be seen and experienced at our markets? We’d love to work with you, please reach out!
Nonprofit Organizations
We love to work with nonprofit organizations that align with our mission, vision, and values! Get in touch if your business is a registered nonprofit interested in participating at the Markers Markets at Arlene’s.
What do I get if I participate?
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The Makers Markets at Arlene’s offers creatives and small businesses an opportunity to connect with engaged and enthusiastic shoppers. There are many additional benefits that come along with joining our events! Here’s what we have to offer:
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Your Booth space. Create your own pop-up shop to showcase and sell your work to an engaged audience!
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Profile on our website. Each maker gets their own profile page on the Markets website that is linked to their site/socials. This will put you in front of a variety of buyers and shoppers both before, during, and after the Markets.
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Wholesale opportunities. Buyers head to the Makers Markets at Arlene’s to discover unique makers and products like yours.
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Networking and collaborations. Tap into our vibrant creative community by connecting with neighboring makers for potential collaborations, resources, and other exciting opportunities.
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Social features. We handpick and feature exceptional makers and participants on our social media and in our newsletters.
Fees and Payments
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SPRING/FALL MARKETS
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Please note there is no application fee to apply to any Makers Markets at Arlene’s.
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Spring and Fall Markets are two-day events and we expect Makers to attend both days. All approved Makers will be charged a non-refundable booth space fee of $40. Makers must either come into Arlene’s Artist Material, at 57 Fuller Rd Albany NY 12205, call (518) 482-8882 during business hours, or mail a check to pay the fee. If the fee is not paid by the deadline set by Arlene’s then the space will be considered forfeit and Arlene’s reserves the right to give the space to another applicant.
HOLIDAYS MARKETS
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Please note there is no application fee to apply to any Makers Markets at Arlene’s.
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Holiday Markets are held on three different dates featuring different makers per market. All approved Makers will be charged a non-refundable booth space fee of $25. Makers must either come into Arlene’s Artist Material, at 57 Fuller Rd Albany NY 12205, call (518) 482-8882 during business hours, or mail a check to pay the fee. If the fee is not paid by the deadline set by Arlene’s then the space will be considered forfeit and Arlene’s reserves the right to give the space to another applicant.
Booth Space Sizes and Regulations
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SPRING/FALL MARKETS
Spring and Fall Makers Markets at Arlene's will be held outside, behind the store, in our parking lot. Each series of markets will feature 20 booths (Please see above). Booth spaces are a maximum of 10 feet by 10 feet. Makers cannot exceed their allotted booth space. We have twenty spaces and need to make room for everyone.
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NOTE: These series of Makers Markets at Arlene's are located outside. Booth Spaces do not include anything. Makers need to take necessary precautions and are responsible for bringing their own tables, chairs, and booth covering (i.e. tents) that must be secured in windy conditions, lighting, promo materials, and display apparatus. Makers cannot increase the size of their space artificially. However, they can create wall space with the use of easels, bins, or other props but cannot exceed the designated size of the booth. Arlene’s Artist Materials, Inc. is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen goods.
Scheduling Makers, booth/table placements, and Market design are at the sole discretion of Arlene's Artist Materials, and Arlene's reserves the right to make changes in booth assignments and/or Market configuration at any time.
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Each Maker is responsible for the complete setup of their booth as well as handling all customer service and money transactions. Makers' space MUST be free and clear of all trash and merchandise at the end of the fair. Please leave your space as you found it. Arlene's Artist Materials is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise or materials.
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HOLIDAYS MARKETS
The Makers Market at Arlene’s is going to be located inside Arlene's Artist Materials. Arlene’s Artist Materials will provide one 6-foot foldable table per Maker and two folding chairs. Makers are responsible for bringing their own promo materials and display apparatus. Makers cannot increase the size of their space artificially. We are open to using the space creatively through the use of tabletop easels, bins, or other props as long as it does not exceed the allotted space or infringe on other makers. Arlene’s Artist Materials, Inc. is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen goods. Booth/table assignments, placements, and market design are at the sole discretion of Arlene's Artist Materials, and Arlene's reserves the right to make changes in booth assignments and/or fair configuration at any time.
Each Maker is responsible for the complete setup of their booth as well as handling all customer service and money transactions. Makers' space MUST be free and clear of all trash and merchandise at the end of the fair. Please leave your space as you found it. Arlene's Artist Materials is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise or materials.
Scheduling
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Each series of Markets is different and has its own application process. Participating markers will be selected from the pool of applicants by our advisory committee. Spring and Fall Markets are two-day events that will feature 20 Makers. Makers will be expected to attend both days. Holiday Markets feature eight different makers on three dates. Scheduling Makers for the Markets is the sole responsibility of Arlene's Artist Materials and Arlene's reserves the right to make changes in booth assignments and/or Market configuration at any time. ​
What is your responsibility as a Maker?
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All products/merchandise must be original and must be made by the individual or business applying to the Makers Maker at Arlene's. We are open to types of handmade items as long as they are appropriate for retail. NOTE: Prints, cards, or mugs featuring your original artwork are acceptable to sell at Makers Market at Arlene’s.
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Max two Makers per booth when applicable. Makers request a booth share when applying and are approved. See Booth Share above for more info.
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Wearing face coverings is encouraged but not required
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All merchandise must be made by the Maker showcasing the work.
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All Makers submitted must be approved by the advisory committee before the Makers Market at Arlene’s. Arlene's reserves the right to have any unapproved works removed during the market.
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All Makers must submit an application to the Market by the deadline for approval by the advisory committee.
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All merchandise must be priced. The pricing scale is up to the individual Maker. The full price in dollars must be shown next to the merchandise (no price lists) during the entire Market.
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All Artwork and Merchandise must be professionally displayed. Makers are encouraged to display work in browsers (i.e. Print Racks), in portfolios, or arranged on tables. Work may NOT be stacked against walls or on the floor to avoid damage.
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Each Maker is responsible for all customer service and money transactions. Arlene’s Artist Materials, Inc. is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen goods.
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Booth space MUST be free and clear of all trash and support materials at the end of the market. Please leave your space as you found it.
Sales Tax and Doing Business
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The Makers Markets at Arlene’s recommends that Makers comply with all business and tax regulations by registering their business, collecting sales tax, and reporting and remitting sales tax as needed.
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The Makers Markets at Arlene’s is not qualified to offer any business, tax, or customs advice. If you have questions, we recommend you consult with an accountant or visit www.irs.gov for more details. Thank you for your understanding!