Pop-Up Market in Montclair Hopes to Live On Beyond the Holidays

A new artisan market in Montclair Village is hoping to hook customers this holiday season.

Vendors at the Montclair Plaza Collective, which launched on Nov. 6 at 6112 La Salle Ave, sell handmade and hand-harvested local goods, with "local" being the operative word—all the art, crafts and foodstuffs are produced within a 50-mile radius of the village.

Local portrait photographer Reenie Raschke and her husband Greg, longtime Montclair residents, decided to start the collective out of concern over all the empty spaces in the business district.

“I've been here for 25 years and raised children alongside these merchants and villagers so we talk a lot,” said Reenie. “We are all in agreement that we need a market hall with sustainable fish and meats, pasta and bread.”

But creating a new food market from nothing seemed too risky. So Greg suggested they rent the vacant arcade on La Salle Avenue for two months as a trial.

“Will we go forward and shell out the money for a fresh food market? That is really up to the vote we get with this store,” Reenie said.

There are currently 14 vendors selling their goods at the market, including ceramics, knitwear, artwork, granola and chocolates. Workshops and events are also held each Saturday—customers can learn how to make their own soap, get tips on keeping backyard chickens, or lessons on painting with watercolors.

“For me, it's a wonderful thing,” said vendor Heidi Wyckoff, a watercolor artist. “I gave a lot of color demonstrations all day on Saturday that was a huge bunch of fun.”

Wyckoff said the Raschkes’ long history in Montclair is part of the draw.

“Reenie and Greg are such diplomats for ... Montclair,” said Wyckoff, 63, author of a soon-to-be-published book on Oakland landmarks. “They've lived here and been part of the community for years. People are responding to that.”  

Reenie said she's still hoping to eventually provide local, seasonal food to the community.

“My dream would be to feed my people,” said Reenie. “To show them how to eat from the earth by letting them know what the fisherman caught today, what foods are in season, and give them recipes and create gatherings.” 

For now, she’s just enjoying the ride.

"It's like a big love fest," she said. "Something about it feels very right.”

The market is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the holiday season.