In the Mississippi neighborhood of NE Portland, a small art market gathers each second Saturday during the summer and early autumn months in the parking lot of the Q-Center, a building/organization that services Portland’s queer community. The market is called the Spectrum Art Market, and houses anywhere between 10-20 vendors at a time. Despite its smaller size, there is plenty for art lovers to explore. Whether you are out to purchase prints, stickers, t-shirts or bandanas, there is truly something for everybody at Spectrum Art Market.
I had the pleasure of speaking with JD Cox, the individual who started the market. They were there selling t-shirts, tank tops and neckties with their printed designs, as well as stickers and prints of their work. Their art, according to their Instagram page, @dancingherondesign, is categorized as a “modern archaic aesthetic.”
“I had dabbled in running events and being part of events for a long time — I knew there was a niche for this type of market,” Cox said. “Coupled with the pandemic and how it affected myself and other artists, and our ability to connect with our community, connect with each other and our customers, I decided it was a good time to make Spectrum Art Market happen.”
They started Spectrum in 2021, and are about to enter their fourth year of running the event. They discussed the emotional significance the market has to them.
“It’s my way of returning to everyone who’s supported me in the past — it’s creating a space for us. Especially now that a lot of larger events are so hard to get into,” Cox said. “I’ve always felt like there’s not a space for me, so I’m going to make one.”
I also had the chance to speak with several vendors from the market, who all expressed their love for the space. Gray René, a local artist who sells prints, stickers and pins, spoke on their experience selling at Spectrum.
“I have done a couple of bigger markets, but this one has always been a pretty solid one to come back to,” René said. “I just really like being a part of the local artist community and being able to make connections with people in the area.”
Elle Skinner, another artist at Spectrum who sells her prints, stickers, zines and comic books, all in very vibrant colors and styles, was enthusiastic to share about her love for selling art.
“I love talking to people and connecting over art. There’s something really human in that,” Skinner said. “I’ve been selling my art for about ten years. I love sharing my little guys.”
Spectrum is a great outlet for semi-established artists — those who have some experience selling but are looking for a local marketplace. With the market being so small, it really allows for a spotlight on the artists who are there. One does not get overwhelmed like they might in a large market, with vendors vying and competing for customer attention. The environment is very relaxed, and it is easy to have conversations and form connections with customers and other artists. I ended up purchasing several stickers and pins from various booths.
Spectrum has one more weekend scheduled this year, a two-day market on Oct. 12 and 13, which coincides with LC’s Fall Break, and will be posting holiday-season dates soon. After the new year, they may move to an indoor location. All of these updates will be available as the time grows nearer on their Instagram, @spectrumartmarket. I encourage you to check it out before the season is over.
Leave a Reply