WILLIAMSBURG — Alewerks Brewing Company and Frothy Moon Brewhouse are collaborating with LoveLight Placemaking to host the first SweetheARTS Market this weekend.
The events take place on Saturday, Feb. 11 for SweetheARTS & ALES at Alewerks and Sunday, Feb. 12 at Frothy Moon.
The event was organized by 2nd Sunday Williamsburg’s Shirley Vermillion after artists who participated in series asked her if it was possible to do an event in February, or start the 2nd Sunday season earlier.
“I’ve always cherished the much-needed time off from Festival planning for the other 10 months of festival dates & never wanted to roll the dice with that many artists in case the weather wouldn’t be cooperative — as it is still winter,” Vermillion said. “Last year, in 2022, we did our first LoveLight Placemaking SweetheART Market downtown at 400 Prince George St., in the same block as Blue Talon, Baskin Robbins, and Aromas that 2nd Sundays started 14 years ago.”
“It was really well supported, the businesses on the block loved it and people were looking very forward to it again in 2023. This year we decided to branch out & share the art, fun & good vibes of the SweetheART Markets in some different places,” she added.
As a valentine’s gift to the participating artists, none were charged for booths. The Alewerks event will include the FoodaTude food truck and live music by Richmond artist Zack Artis from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alewerks will also offer beer-tasting flights of their popular bitter Valentine’s brews.
“I was thrilled when Shirley reached out about hosting the SweetheARTS & ALES craft market. She has always been generous when describing my contribution to the beginnings of 2nd Sundays, but I am grateful that those early days of coming in a little early for my shift to help direct traffic and set up cones allow an appreciation for the immense accomplishment the monthly event has become,” Michael Claar, Operations Director for Alewerks, said.
“It’s great to be working closely with Shirley again, since Alewerks & Lovelight Placemaking share a mission to expand the opportunities to experience new arts & culture in Williamsburg. This weekend’s market allows us to take advantage of the much-improved space and parking after expanding the last few years,” Claar added.
Frothy Moon owner Melissa Trainum was also happy to participate when Vermillion pitched the idea to her. All of the artists at Frothy Moon will be returning from December’s Christmas Market.
The SweetheARTS market at Alewerks will be on Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market at Frothy Moon will be on Feb. 12 from 4-8 p.m. For more information about both Alewerks and Frothy Moon, check out their websites.
