The Boston Hassle Art Flea Market is a bimonthly nonprofit event that puts local Boston artists on the main stage for a $1 admission fee.
The first market of the year was held on Feb. 12 and welcomed over 80 artists. Every room of the Cambridge Community Center was filled to the brim with handmade artwork, racks of clothing from thrift stores, vinyl records and more.
The flea market is an addition to Boston Hassle which, according to their website, is “Your daily guide, since 2011, strictly focusing on underrepresented, independent and underground music/art/film scenes and communities in greater Boston and New England at large, and the often marginalized cultures that compromise and support them.”
When first walking into the community center, visitors are met with music and artwork that draws them in and brings them into the world of the Boston Hassle Flea. There are vendors of all ages showing and selling their artwork ranging from prints to cutting boards.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design student, Sophia Kasparian, was showcasing and selling her alternative feminine coquette artwork for the very first time. According to Kasparian, she started getting more interested in art during her senior year of high school.
“I’ve always wanted to vend before. I was hoping I could actually make money off of my artwork. This is the first time I have ever vended and I would say that I definitely have a fear of making a career out of it because I’d say you need to become really well-known to do it and one way to start doing that is by pushing yourself to do markets like these,” said Kasparian.
When walking through the aisles of artists, visitors are bound to find something that catches their eye. Many of the pieces range from $15 to $20, making every piece decently affordable, adorable and all while supporting small up-and-coming businesses.
Among the booths, there was one run by Project Right to Housing that had a create-your-own tote bag station where for a donation of between $10 and $30, whatever you could afford, you could choose a design to be block printed on your very own tote bag.
Another vendor at the market was MassArt student Jackie Priola—who illustrates solemn delicate art—has been involved with Boston Hassle for over a year and a half but has started selling her artwork within the past year.
“I have always known that I wanted to go to art school. I’ve sold at markets throughout high school and been involved with artist studios,” said Priola.
Musicians already have publications following and writing about them; however, this market gives those who paint, sculpt, draw and create giving artists the same opportunity.
“The Boston hassle is a nonprofit organization that started as a concert promoter but has turned into more of a newsletter covering music and reviews and social justice issues. They also talk about local artists and things happening in the area. So they started the Hassle Flea to get more involved with the art scene and start a community of artists instead of just musicians.” said Priola.
There are many events put on by Boston Hassle outside of the Flea market; for more information head to their website and newsletter. For those wanting to indulge in the Flea market, it will be held on April 23 at the Cambridge Community Center.
Follow Keely on Twitter @menyhartkeely
