Vancouver's weirdest market returns with another roundup of delightfully odd, eccentric, and wholly unique offerings.
The Weirdos Holiday Market has provided strange and whimsical items for holiday gifts for eight years. Now, organizer Rachel Zottenberg brings the shopping event's trademark weird to spring in the Lower Mainland.
On Sunday, June 8, the market will be held at The Birdhouse, a queer-run event space in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
The Spring Weirdening is described as a one-day "celebration of art, joy, weirdness and community" showcasing the work of over 30 artists. All of them have participated in past Weirdos Holiday Markets (held every December).
Market-goers can browse the goods for "uncommon treasures, from unusual pottery, jewelry and embroidery to darkly whimsical items including ritual candles and mounted insects, and much more."
Market finds space for spring installation in The Birdhouse
Zottenberg notes that The Birdhouse makes an ideal space for the event, complete with an outdoor space for fun with games like giant Jenga and Connect Four; it also has picnic tables and a stage. Inside, old-school video games and cosy couches create a laid-back vibe. Artists will be set up throughout the space.
“All year long I’ve heard how much people miss the Weirdos once the holiday market wraps up — and honestly, same!” Zottenberg describes in a press release. “So, we’re bringing the magic back for a one-time market-party: It’s sparkly, silly and full of heart. The world needs a bit more mischief, magic and joy, and no one delivers it quite like this crew does.”
Canada’s "wildest" sword swallower, Neil E. Dee, will perform at the event, and DJ Jody Glenham will play music. Midnight Joe’s Food Truck and Punk Rock Pastries will provide food for hungry attendees.
Several artists have enjoyed multiple seasons within the seasonal weirdo lineup, including:
- Ultraviolet Oddities: This popular artist uses deconstructed plastic dolls to create pieces for the body and home, including wacky planters for various succulents and cacti.
- Dirt Spindle: Unusual pottery pieces that have been fused with the shapes of human mouths, nipples, feet, and hands — but are still totally usable.
- Puppyteeth: Local queer artist Puppyteeth’s dark humour informs the illustrations on his internationally loved prints and cards.
- Brutally Beautiful: Photography, sculpture, and jewelry by artist Amanda Bullick, who often incorporates ethically sourced bones into her work.
- Inner Wolf Jewelry: Ashya’s work is influenced by her Cree and Turkish ancestry and is "infused with elemental components of the natural and spiritual world." She uses everything from antler sheds to feathers, humanely sourced from Elders.
Find a full list of participating artists on the event page online.
Weirdos Market: The Spring Weirdening
When: Sunday, June 8, from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: The Birdhouse - 44 West 4th Ave.
Cost: $2 before 2 p.m. / $5 after
