by Kelsey Shea

The Northside Leadership Conference is in the exploratory phase of developing a space where Northside artists could come together to form an artisan market.

“Recently, we’ve been getting calls from artists and craftsmen who are looking to rent low-cost exhibition or studio space, so there’s a definite need for this type of thing,” said Emily Leone Honhart, NSLC business development director.

The NSLC hopes to fill that void by creating a space called The New Allegheny Markethouse in Historic Deutschtown where artists and artisans can a share vendor space for a nominal cost.

Ideally, The New Allegheny Markethouse would be a cross between the Strip District’s public market and the Children’s Museume’s Mini Makers Faire and would harken back to the original market house in the Northside, which was on West North Avenue in the Garden Theater Block.

The project is only in the exploratory phase, so the NSLC is exploring funding options and are generally trying to determine the viability of such a venture.

Organizers are looking to hear from Northside artists who make quality wares or products by hand and would be interested in shared vendor space.

“Ideally, we want Northside artists to shape the market. We’re interested in finding out what’s important to them and how the market would function as a co-op,” said Honhart.

They would to see photos of artist’s work and get a feel for the kind of studio space would be beneficial to them.

To get involved or voice interest, contact Emily Leone Honhart at emily@pittsburghnorthside.com.