KINGSTON – Art and Entertain Complex BSP in the City of Kingston hosted the seventh annual Made in Kingston, Thursday evening, featuring over 70 different artists, makers, and community organizations.
Anyone who lives or works in the city qualifies to become a vendor at the event and entrance is free.
Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs for the City of Kingston, Adrielle Farr, said that diversity is a major part of Made in Kingston. “We like to embrace artists, makers- anybody who’s doing something in Kingston where they’re making something here,” said Farr. “Sometimes people are making art, they’re making wares; but also, some people are making community change, so we like to embrace all of that,” she said.
Individuals interested in becoming a part of Made in Kingston can apply online, as long as they work, or live, within the city. The application period opens toward the end of summer in August and there is also a wait-list for latecomers.
The Kingston Maritime Museum showcased a demo of one of their sailing vessels from their Youth Boat Program, a program where Ulster BOCES and Kingston High School students, as well as other youths from the city, learn woodworking skills to build sailboats they then take to the water and even participate in races.
Kingston Maritime Museum Trustees’ Vice President Jim Sperry said it was their third time at ‘Made in Kingston’ and the event is a great way to get more people interested in their programs and the museum itself.
“We certainly see more. We get a lot of folks that inquire about our activities. So, the answer is very definitely yes,” said Sperry. “It’s a good program. It’s a good opportunity to meet us and just understand who we are- where we are,” he said.
Winston Queen, director of operations for My Kingston Kids, an organization that puts on various youth-friendly events, was there with their founder Frank Waters selling original designs of various clothing and apparel (Red K Apparel) to support the organization.
Queen said Made in Kingston demonstrates comradery within the community and was impressed by the supportive environment.
“This thing is absolutely amazing to see- how many people just come out and want to support each other. This is absolutely a great event and if you get a chance to come out, I would do so,” said Queen. “We’re just trying to better the community. That’s what everybody is here for, giving something back and that’s a beautiful thing,” he said.
Although the event has been geared toward individuals selling wares and demoing various visual art and crafts, participants like Sperry and Queen are becoming more encouraged.
