So, what is this FRINGE thing?

The FRINGE is a new and exciting part of the Riverside Arts Market that we conceived to bring in interesting and edgy products that don't fit within our strict guidelines (mainly that all art must be hand made by the applicant and be generally local). Many times in our first year we would get applications that were products that we felt would be of interest to our robust community of shoppers but because we have such stringent guidelines we could not allow them in the market. Well that was 2009. In 2010, we are accepting a small number of proposals from the quaint and quirky to the crazy. As long as it is family-friendly, has some value as an addition to the market, and does not compete with existing artists/vendors in the market, we will consider it.

These "outlaw artists" will be clustered on the northern edge of the market, so they will not be confused with our regular fine artists. Not all FRINGE applications will be accepted, but all will be reviewed, and some will make it in to the market as space permits. The weirder the better. The more likely that a product will sell and/or be an attraction, the more likely it will be accepted. Extra points for green products and even more if there is a do-gooder mission.

WHO: A vendor who has a product that doesn't fit the strict guidelines of the Riverside Arts Market but has a product that could be considered an attraction in itself.

WHAT: You tell us. The FRINGE is for exceptional but otherwise not qualified artists and products. Could be hand-made bikes from Brooklyn. Could be mid century factory furniture. Could be a mobile record store. Could be one of those machines that converts air into water. Could be rare and vintage sneakers. Who knows what is out there on the FRINGE. Keep Jacksonville weird!

WHEN: Every market except in special circumstances when we need the space for special events/ activities.

WHERE: Generally the 900 row. See map. This is the exposed (not under the bridge) row next to Fidelity. There is no electricity in the FRINGE. Many Saturdays the 900s were considered the best row in the market. When it is super hot or rainy or cold, the FRINGE requires a hearty vendor, a good weather plan, and a tent. Tents are recommended in the FRINGE even in great weather. It just looks better. The FRINGE is the row where the Bike Valet, Magic Tournaments, and Adoptable Critters are often found. However, the RAM Market Director has the option to place your booth at ANY location in the market, based solely on his or her discretion and the needs of the market as a whole.

HOW: Potential FRINGE candidates should  email a one page proposal to director@riversideartsmarket.com. If accepted the vendor must sign up and pay in advance. Cost is $35 per booth space, per Saturday. FRINGE vendors must abide by all our other rules including traffic patterns, load in/out, tent weights, etc. Not all FRINGE applications will be accepted, but all will be reviewed based on criteria including creativity, uniqueness, locally made, not competing with approved artists/vendors, and hand made.