Crafty Mart, Akron’s very own handmade independent market that supports local artists, makers and artisans, is hosting its annual Mom & Pop Shoppe Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Countryside Public Market (below the Northside Marketplace located at 21 Furnace St. Suite #300).

“The Mom & Pop Shoppe has something for everyone,” said says Cheryl Hopkins, Crafty Mart’s Market Manager. “We encourage people to come out to support our local Maker community and enjoy a day in our city!”

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation, a jury-selected group of 30 local makers will showcase their handmade goods, featuring everything from jewelry, t-shirts and handmade cards to lighting fixtures, pottery and soaps , among other items.

“Crafty Mart really believes that shopping small and local helps retain all the amazing talent we have right here,” said Marissa McClellan, Crafty Mart’s new Executive Director, “It is my hope to get at least 1,000 people through the doors on April 27th and I think we can do it!”

Crafty Mart hosts a bi-annual, multi-venue craft show that showcases over 70 curated handmade makers regionally and draws thousands of shoppers to downtown Akron. The nonprofit organization also curates occasional pop up markets with community partners all over the city, giving people in the region a place to shop small and local artists and makers a platform to sell their goods. Beyond these handmade markets, Crafty Mart also engages in entrepreneurial programming and support for artists through The Maker Sessions which culminates in a shark-tank style crowdfunded microgrant program, Creative Catapult. For info, visit www.craftymart.org.