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Local artisans who rely heavily on markets and festivals to sell their products were hard hit during the pandemic as many events were canceled, postponed, or reduced their capacities. In response, new opportunities popped up around Albuquerque for these creative vendors to showcase their goods. As the Downtown Growers’ Market kicks off Saturday, April 17, with more vendors and customers than last year, some of the pandemic-era solutions for local artists are set to stick around.
Credit Nash Jones / KUNM
Amy Baca Lopez, a local artist and business owner, stood at her booth in the parking lot of OFFCenter Community Arts Project in Downtown Albuquerque, where she started The Little Market to promote local artisans when existing opportunities dwindled during the pandemic. “So, we have a backdrop of disco funky music,” she said, describing the market. “We have about 18 vendors here today. Anything from face masks and dresses,” she said, pointing to the booth next to he