Watauga Arts Council

You must register with the Watauga Arts Council to participate. There is no charge. However, if you have the means or desire, we welcome donations to keep running this program and develop it into a more comprehensive opportunity for youth. (THANK YOU!)

2024 Youth Makers Market Plans and Protocols 
Youth Makers Market May 11, 2024 - Oct 26, 202
2nd and 4th Saturdays of Every Month
8 am-Noon
Kids Corner of the Watauga Farmers Market

MARKET PURPOSE: 
Youth Makers Market is designed to provide opportunities for kids to grow as makers and entrepreneurs. Watauga Arts Council is dedicated to raising the next generation of talented artists with the skills necessary to market and sell their work. 

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
You are not required to come to all the markets. Come as you are able. Kids must be registered to participate in the Youth Makers Market. If a child comes to the market without registering, we will have a QR code ready for them to use to fill out the registration form. Kids and Parents must sign the form. 

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE:
Table space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We have 10 -15 spaces available between built-in and folding tables. We will not allow holding tables for youth who have not arrived. Tables must be shared to ensure there is enough space for everyone. Parents are encouraged to bring their chairs. We have some children’s chairs and folding tables for kids to borrow. Kids should bring the chairs and tables back to the shed when finished.

AGES / GUARDIANSHIP:
Youth Makers Market is for kids ages 5 to 18. Kids ages ten and under need to be accompanied by a parent. Parents who leave their kids ages 10 and up do so at their discretion. While Watauga Arts Council staff or volunteers will be present and watchful, we are not responsible for babysitting your child. 

ALLOWABLE ITEMS TO SELL:
The child must make ANY work sold in the market. Youth may NOT sell food or drinks of any kind. Parents MAY NOT make items for the youth to sell. Violation of this rule could result in being asked not to come back. Food, even grown food, is prohibited unless otherwise communicated before a scheduled Saturday.

SET UP/BREAK DOWN:
WAC will try to have a staff or volunteers present at 8 am to welcome youth makers as they arrive. If you arrive before WAC staff, please mind the expectations of this guide. In some cases, the WAC representative may need to leave before noon. Allow youth to set up and break down tables as much as possible. Tablecloths are encouraged to prevent artwork from getting wet. Please pack out any trash you may have created at the market. While WAC will strive to have a representative there every morning, we may have to leave before noon. We may ask parents to help ensure that tables and chairs are returned to the shed and the sign is put away.

SALES:
Payments: Children are responsible for tendering their sales. WAC will not have cash to make change for dollar bills. Kids may bring cash to make change or opt for a cashless payment method like Venmo or Paypal. Parents are welcome to use WAC’s printer during office hours if they need help printing a QR code sign. Parents may help kids learn how to provide change. Please send signs to info@watauga-arts.org. Call ahead to ensure we receive them and will have them ready for you. 

Youth-Led Experience: Parents are encouraged to be patient and allow this to be a growing experience for their child. Allow the child to take the lead and ask questions to guide them. We don’t expect perfection; kids learn by making mistakes or pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Allow youth to problem-solve what they want to make, how they want to display their artwork, how to take payments, etc. Youth are encouraged to create and set up their own display fixtures, prices, and signs to accompany their work. Store-bought fixtures and signs are allowed, but guests encourage and appreciate handmade fixtures and displays. 

Sales Tips: 

• Create a nice presentation for your handmade goods

• Make the prices clear and easy to understand

• Look people in the eye and smile when they approach you to make them feel comfortable asking you about your work or admiring your items. 

• Try not to be pushy. “Let me know if I can help you with anything” is a great way to be assertive and helpful without pushing yourself on a potential buyer. 

• Remember to say thank you if they buy something.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
By joining the youth makers market, you will be alerted of opportunities to participate in makers days at Watauga Arts Council and to sell at events throughout the year. WAC would like to provide light-hearted training and support to help youth develop their arts entrepreneurship skills.

Please let us know if you want to help us with this initiative. We could use people to teach crafts that can be easily learned and adapted by youth of various age groups, markets, present, and more.