St. Pete Artists Turn Slow Summer Season Into Quirky Mini Mart Market

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Summer is typically one of the slowest seasons for Tampa Bay's artist markets. Rather than wait for business to pick back up, two St. Petersburg artists decided to create an opportunity of their own.

Potter Addy Green of Pretzel’s Pottery and writer and illustrator Al Taylor of Literate Bugs are organizing Mini Mart, a food-themed pop-up market featuring a dozen local artists from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Daydream Studio & Maker Space, 2935 Central Ave.

Inspired by the playful aesthetics of neighborhood grocery stores, the market invites artists to interpret food and supermarket culture in their own creative ways, while still showcasing the work they're best known for.

"We wanted to create a small space for artists and creators who have smaller followings to be able to sell their wares during a time of year that is historically slow for markets," Green told Patch.

The pair met while working together at Tebella Tea Company and bonded over their creative pursuits.

Green creates colorful ceramic mugs, home décor and pottery under the name Pretzel’s Pottery, which she launched in part to help pay for the specialized care of her cat, Pretzel, who has severe food allergies.

"I really love fun, weird, eclectic décor," Green said. "I wanted to create pieces that matched that."

Taylor, a Ringling College graduate, operates Literate Bugs, creating illustrations, zines and other artwork centered on literacy advocacy and disability awareness. Outside of his art, he works full time at All Faith Food Bank and is also a playwright.

The market grew far beyond what the friends initially envisioned.

"We thought we'd invite a couple people we know and it'd be fun," Green said. "Then word got out."

Mini Mart now features 12 artists working in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, chain mail, beadwork, collage art, plush creations, printmaking and murals.

Among the participating artists are muralist Cristi Lopez, whose public artwork can be seen around St. Petersburg, and mixed-media artist Kyli, who transforms cleaned, recycled trash into colorful collage pieces she calls "trash strip" art, according to Green

One of the goals is simply bringing artists together, Green added.

"It's a good time for all of the artists to network and meet each other in real life," she said. "That's so important to build those connections."

Unlike many themed markets that require vendors to fit into a narrow concept, Mini Mart leaves the grocery theme open to interpretation.

"We wanted something so broad that you can do anything with it," Green said. "We're optimistic there will be quirky, eclectic work, but it's really to showcase the skill sets of these artists."

As artificial intelligence and mass-produced products continue to challenge independent makers, Green hopes events like Mini Mart remind shoppers of the value of buying directly from artists.

"It's important to focus on handmade wares, handmade goods, handmade products," she said. "No drop-shipped products, no AI slop — just art."

For Green, the event is also a celebration of the artsy city she calls home.

"There's nothing I love more than my little pocket of joy, which is St. Pete," she said. "The art scene here is crazy."

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