By Megan Hussey, [email protected]
The coming of Autumn brings the bronzing of the leaves, the blossoming of fall flowers and other nature-made wonders; as well as the emergence of a ‘Grove’ of artistic delights in Spring Hill.
The Grove Market pop-up marketplace returns to Hernando County on Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tidal Brewing Co.,14311 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Celebrated as a part of Tidal’s Oktidalfest celebration, this event will offer local art, handmade goods, jewelry, decor, vintage, and upcycled clothing, food trucks, sweets and treats, craft beer, and more.
“Grove Market is a community-driven event showcasing local artists, makers, and small businesses coordinated by Roots Creative Co.,” read an event description. “We invite you to join us in this effort to cultivate community across Central Florida. Wondering where our name came from? A grove is a group of trees that grow closely together, just like us.”
Event organizer Allisa Babor, who is the owner of Roots Creative Co., a local artist, and an Art in the Park Chair & HCFAC Council Member, does indeed see Grove Market as a joint presentation and celebration of the Hernando arts community. “Making new friends is kind of my thing. I really, really love people. And I’m really passionate about creating experiences and creative ways to elevate artists and makers. I know that when we all get together, beautiful things happen. And that’s how Grove Market was born,” she said.
Babor feels that events like Grove Market, beyond serving the arts community, serve and benefit Hernando County as a whole. “With both Grove Market and Roots, our work is centered around authenticity, community, and collaboration. We recognize the power of working together and know that every area needs community-driven events because that’s where the heart of a town lives – with its people,” she said.
Featured food artists in the Grove Market event are Jodi Giardina, Homegrown Greens LLC, which produces different types of fruit trees and other edible/culinary-use plants, as well as seeds and available things from their garden; and Esprit Herbert of Herbert Sherbert, which makes Sherbert, ice cream, and popsicles.
Jenesis Carlton of Formed & Fashioned designs one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings with availability for custom orders.
“I started Formed and Fashioned during the beginning of Covid last year (July 2020),” said Carlton. “This small business, based in Hernando County was birthed out of Isaiah 64:8 that says, ‘Yet still, Yahweh, you are our Father. We are like clay and you are our Potter. Each one of us is the creative, artistic work of your hands. Formed in a mother’s womb, no child is the same. There is and never will be someone like you, you are one of a kind.’ Partnering with that, Formed and Fashioned strives to continuously make one-of-a-kind earrings, creating new and unique styles. No two are the same (unless requested)…”
Carlton feels that, “The Grove Community Market gives artists and small businesses like Formed and Fashioned, opportunity and space to express themselves and showcase their talents with the safety and support of their community… It’s a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for dreamers and creatives to partner together and celebrate each other’s gifts and talents.”
Paul Karasiewicz of Elsa’s Special Treats LLC, produces small-batch craft mustards, dog treats, sourdough, and custom baked goods.
“This market happens to be a favorite of ours, presenting so many of our very local artists. A fantastic cross-section of unique products, literally something for everyone,” read a statement from Paul and Elsa Karasiewicz. “Of course we have to mention proximity to awesome craft beer for a festive scene during Oktidalfest (Oktoberfest at Tidal Brewing), right in line with our small batch craft, mustards, and other special treats.”
“The Grove Market is a younger crowd, with many business people just starting out,” said Esprit Herbert. “They start with an idea that blooms at the Grove.”
