Fifth Annual Metal Monkey Artisan Market Planned June 10

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Streetz Artz Alliance will host the fifth annual Metal Monkey Artisan Market at Metal Monkey Brewing on June 10.

The event, held from 1 to 6 p.m., will take place inside the brewery, 515 Anderson Drive, Suite 900. Artists will be in the parking lot and also inside the brewery, and there will be live music outside, over 40 artists and a food truck on site, according to a news release.

According to John Streetz, the head of the Streetz Artz Alliance, the brewery is bringing back its Lavender Skies beer for the event. Lavender Skies debuted as part of the 2022 artisan market; this is the first time the beer is available in to-go cans.

The Pilsner-style lader is infused with the essence of lavender flower.

"Now that we have finally moved past the long winter, let's all take advantage of the warmer weather by coming out to support local businesses and enjoy a crushable beer," Streetz said in a release.

The Lavender Skies beer, that is being brought back for the show, was actually the brain child of Stephanie Wheatley. Wheatley worked with Streetz on the first show at Metal Monkey.

"After falling in love with a lavender latte at a local café I started trying anything infused with lavender. When the opportunity to partner with Metal Monkey on a new beer for the market came about, I thought, ‘Hmm, why not?’ And Lavender Skies was created. Metal Monkey was on board, and I'm thrilled it's coming back this summer," Wheatley said in a release.

The very first Metal Monkey Artisan Market was back in 2017 when Streetz and Wheatley were co-creators for the event. Now, Streetz runs the market under the Streetz Artz Alliance flag.

"I was so excited to work with John [Streetz] in creating the Metal Monkey Market. I've been a fan of the brewery since the garage tasting days and when I met John and learned he had a similar passion for local breweries and art market pop-ups, I knew we could create a great market in an already great atmosphere at Metal Monkey," Wheatley said in a release.

Wheatley added, "there's nothing like our Chicago metal community, and the feeling at Metal Monkey is like coming home. Even if you aren't a heavy metal fan, you're welcome there."

The June market will include over 40 artists and makers selling jewelry, apparel, crocheted items, candles, articulated dragons, original art and more, a news release states. Vendors will also sell food items like cake pops, coffee, hot sauce, cookies and jams. All items are homemade.

The event is free, but donations for St. Baldrick's charity will be accepted during the event. Gary Walsh with Team Stunod will be raising money for St. Baldrick's.

Jason Janes, Metal Monkey’s own director of Hops, Malt & Awesomeness, said, "we partnered with The Streetz Art Alliance because John needed recognition for all he does for the art community and local breweries."

"We've begun indoor art markets with Streetz Art Alliance in the fall too to offer a smaller, more intimate shopping experience. The art markets are a great way to showcase our craft beer while having so many others showcase their talents at the same time! We hope to see you on June 10 at Metal Monkey Brewing," Janes added.