Who are we?
Heartmade Art Market is a juried art market currently run by Sonja Fulbright of Crush Design Co and Kristen Kramlich of fLuxe Jewelry. Our tag line, “design for happiness,” is exactly how we like to do things. We think small actions add up to big results, so we’re putting the hearts of Texas' talented artists to work for the benefit of local non-profit organizations and the community at large.
Heartmade Art Market is a carefully curated show, and artists are admitted through an application process. Heartmade artists are among the best ambassadors of the Texas art community, and we always want to make sure they are able to find success. We designed this market to ensure that both the artists and the charity would come out on top. $100 of the booth fee is donated to the charity, leaving the artists free to make their sales knowing the “heartwork” is already taken care of. We partner with Houston's Downtown District for our location, marketing, and they provide the artists with a venue, free parking for one car, an 8 ft table, two chairs, and more. We are so grateful for their continued support!
How do we
do it?
$100 from each artist’s booth fee from the spring 2023 Heartmade Market is designated to support Art League Houston. Founded in 1948, Art League Houston has radically evolved beyond the parameters of traditional art leagues. While keeping the core of the art league model – a robust membership deeply committed to the value of visual art in contemporary life – Art League Houston embraces contemporary approaches to curatorial programming, community-building, art education, and outreach to under-resourced communities.
Previous markets have supported The Periwinkle Foundation, Young Audiences of Houston, Friends for Life, Artists for Artists, and Hoof Prints and Heart Beats.
Who do we help?
Heartmade Art Market was conceived and created by Tracy Manford Carlson of Tracy Carlson Photography with the help of Sonja Fulbright of Crush Design Co. It went from a conversation over coffee at Common Bond to a fully-realized market within a matter of months. We forever grateful to Tracy for her leadership and passion for Heartmade. We know that she will continue the “heartwork” as she shifts her focus.
From Tracy:
When I had the idea for what would become the Heartmade Art Market, I wanted to accomplish two things: raise money for a deserving organization, and provide an opportunity for local artists to connect with the community. I was incredibly blessed to have Sonja Fulbright join me as a partner in making this dream a reality, and with the additional help and support of the Downtown District, we were able to create wonderful markets that featured artists from across the city and, eventually, the entire state of Texas. I’ve loved every moment of getting to meet new artists, mentor those just starting out, and introduce some outstanding talents to Houston.
What are our roots?
What do people think of Heartmade?
We pride ourselves on not only providing a great market experience for the city of Houston, but for each and every one of our artists and makers.
“Heartmade Market is an especially vendor-oriented market, because the organizers are themselves artist/vendors. They’ve made everything as easy as it can be and they promote the hell out of this event. It draws a sophisticated crowd from all over Houston. And it’s fun, with a capital F.”
-- Paule Hewitt, Beyond Her Collection
"It is such a cool atmosphere. Downtown Houston is the perfect location for people of all walks of life to come together and celebrate art and craft.
The vendor fee always goes to support a wonderful and deserving charity. I love that it is not only a way for artists to offer their work, but also a way to give back to the city."
-- Allison Gregory Jones, All Marie Guitar String Jewelry
"I really enjoyed participating in the last Heartmade market. It was great to be surrounded by equally fervent artists/craftspeople with a strong belief in what they created. As a typically shy person, the buzz of all the people vending and the passersby stopping in and showing an interest in my art helped bring me out of my shell. It was a great experience bolstered by two magnificent organizers!"
-- Rei Egusquiza
Haven’t found the answer on our site? Interested in volunteering to help at a market?
Please email us at heartmadehouston@gmail.com.