Do you think of your produce as the palette for the canvas that is your plate? Find your muse at the Market at Saugatuck Center for the Arts! “There is a huge connection between art, the Market at the SCA, and the creativity of food. Channeling creativity into cooking is a rich way to celebrate innovation and passion for art,” says Megan Scheerhorn, Director of Marketing. From artisan decor to heads of lettuce, this downtown Saugatuck market brings the best of local for your home kitchen (or studio!)
Experience More at the Market at the SCA
Founded in 2005, this market has sustained its community, expanding throughout the pandemic to support more than 30 local vendors. Vendors you can find here season after season include Westview Farms, a perennial and herb nursery that offers expert advice with every purchase, and the Wood Mayvin, who trades in finely crafted wood products. The Sisters Soap Kitchen attends with their artisan goat’s milk body products, boosting market-goers’ well-being with their popular salves and soaps. For food vendors, Latchaw Farms not only offers fresh produce, but also pastured eggs and meats, and Kahoona’s Kitchen brings in sweet and savory granola bars. There are options for eaters of every kind at the market!
Beyond the array of shopping available, attending the market is a chance to have fun and connect with the West Michigan lakeshore community. From baby goats to live music, food trucks, and even a cash bar, shopping local becomes so much more at the Market at the SCA. And the fun doesn’t end in September! Specialty Markets, such as their Winter’s Eve Market or Holiday Market, are great opportunities to shop throughout the year, with their own unique set of vendors and entertainment.
Accessible Options at the Market
Shopping for radishes and carrots is accessible at the Market at SCA, which not only offers EBT and Double Up Food Bucks for alternative currencies but also their own ‘Market Bucks’ assistance program, entirely supported by community donors. Beyond that, the Interurban Bus System will transport shoppers to the market from anywhere in Saugatuck or Douglas for just $1. Market-goers can schedule a pickup by calling 269-857-1418.
Another accessibility detail of the market? Scheerhorn explains that the market provides access to important conversations with local makers and food producers. “Personally, I love to chat with the vendors about their processes – what’s important to them about what they’re bringing to the market. I love to hear about why they choose to grow their crops a certain way, why they decided to go into baking, and why they chose their medium. I find it very creatively inspiring.“
“Whether it’s creating a dish for your family to enjoy, sharing with friends around the table, or serving a 300-person wedding – each requires a huge amount of imagination and vision. We’re happy to provide the tools that people need to unlock this creativity.”
Megan Scheerhorn, Marketing Director
This article was written in partnership with the Market at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.
Claire Butler is the Content Strategy Specialist for Taste the Local Difference. Contact her at [email protected].