REVERSE BLACK FRIDAY: Getting "Totally Trashed" With Nowhere Collective

For the past few weeks, I've had the privilege to work closely with Nowhere Collective on preparation for the 2024 Trashy Holiday Market. It has been a pleasure. I'd like to take a minute to highlight my time with them. 

If you've never heard of the Trashy Holiday Market, it is an annual gathering of artists and vendors, "featuring local artisans who specialize in transforming locally-sourced trash into handmade one-of-a-kind wonders." Carrying the theme of "Reverse Black Friday", the event was designed to create an alternative space to celebrate the culture of Black Friday without contributing to mass-consumerism. Shopping for holiday gifts for loved ones, and spending quality time with family and friends over the long weekend was achieved by hundreds of attendees, tens of talented artists and vendors and volunteers. The event was at Mrs. Murphy's Irish Bistro, spanning over the course of two afternoons filled with holiday shopping, weaving on the Loom360, Tennis Racket Upcycling sponsored by Wilson Tennis, and more.

Rather than participating in consumerist culture that often comes with Black Friday, the Trashy Holiday Market provided a space to enjoy these traditions; shopping for priceless and professionally made goods while simultaneously protecting the environment. When I wasn't running around being an extra hand to the staff, volunteers, and vendors, I found myself teaching attendees how to weave a massive loom (probably about 6' tall, 6' wide) made completely out of discarded clothing and fabric. It was a blur of meeting new faces and enriching conversation. Being able to teach curious souls of all ages how to weave, while educating them on the dangers of fast fashion and clothing waste was a valuable experience for everyone involved. One notable conversation I had was with a curious father, who classified himself as "just the coat holder" in response to my ask if he wanted to give weaving a try. While his wife and daughter shopped around, he asked endless questions about the loom project, who made it, where the fabric came from, where they go when they're done, how much impact it really makes. The loom is a long-standing community project that has been featured at a number of art fests and markets around the Midwest. Hosted by Nowhere Collective, in partnership with BLISS JOY BULL, Round 2 Craft Parties, and Sili+Bells, the end goal of this weaving movement is to divert 700 pounds of textile waste by the end of 2025. Textiles are collected from thrift store waste, and community donation that would have gone in the dumpster. "Like Goodwill?" I said he'd be surprised to hear how much of his clothing donations end up in landfills. The final pieces will be displayed at local schools, galleries, community spaces and partner organizations to promote creative reuse and educate the public on the textile waste crisis. If you want to read more on the LOOM360, check out this blogpost on the Nowhere Collective website.

I am honored to have watched this come together, to be a part of the community working towards a healthier planet earth. Many thanks to Katy Osborn for taking me on board; the past few months have allowed me to sharpen my Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing abilities in the form of social media posts, artist spotlights, sponsorship ads, posters, and various event flyers through Canva. Much of the work I did over the past few weeks were designing artist spotlight Instagram posts to create buzz and familiarize attendees with the vendors. This project being the first professional exposure I had with Canva, I spent a lot of time researching how to translate my experience in Adobe to the web-based platform. It was definitely a valuable process, and my skill with the platform has excelled in terms of efficiency, composition, typeface and application of color theory. It has been inspiring to see Katy's passion and drive at every turn. I'm grateful to have worked in an environment that pushed me to pursue my values, even when against the grain.

Be sure to keep an eye on Nowhere Collective, there are some very exciting things to come, including more markets and an app to bring these locally sourced, eco-friendly products and services online, all in one place. 

Check out some of my work for the Trashy Holiday Market!