Danvers Liberty Tree Mall To Host Northeast Arc Holiday Market

DANVERS, MA — Artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities, such as autism or other learning challenges, will have a chance to sell crafts and creations at the 3rd annual Holiday Market at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers.

The market is set for the main hallway of the mall on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The market provides shoppers opportunities to select items such as food treats, knit apparel, toys, fine art, handcrafted wood kitchen items, games, photography, jewelry, and live plants.

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A goal of parcels and this holiday market is to help infuse capital into this creative economy. The market is important for the more than 30 vendors with disabilities and autism who are participating for several reasons, including:

• Many artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities and autism are not able to participate in similar type markets, primarily due to the length of time those markets operate.
• By not being able to participate in markets, these artists have a harder time attracting new customers and selling their work.
• This market is designed to increase accessibility by:
  • Removing cost barriers. Artists do not have to pay to participate and keep 100% of sales
  • Providing a shorter timeframe to sell
  • Providing tables and chairs for vendors to limit what they need to bring on site
  • Integrating with Northeast Arc staff to provide natural supports during the day

The TriTown Rock Band, an inclusive group of students from Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield will perform popular hits. The Dancing Witches of Old Salem Village will also lead the market in dance lessons while they are dressed in their full Christmas regalia.

Frankie Bonsignore, an autistic singer and guitar player, will perform.

DJ Jazzy Jacob, an emerging DJ with Down syndrome, will be spinning the tunes between acts.

There will also be a mid-day appearance from Santa Claus.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)