Holiday Market a Hit at Greater Newark Conservancy

The classrooms and teaching kitchen at Greater Newark Conservancy’s Main Education Building are usually busy with workshops, cooking demonstrations, and conferences. A recent Saturday saw Santa visiting the former synagogue and church, listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, that was transformed into a Holiday Market filled with the work of local artisans and artisanal food products.

Noted Newark artist Jerry Gant and representatives of Glassroots showcased their work at the bustling market, along with other Brick City vendors including Shakur’s Wood Work and the vitamin and antioxidant infused teas and coffees of Kim Hafley’s Khemistry Works. Hafley was introduced to the Conservancy when her nieces and nephews participated in environmental programs and had previously been a vendor at the Conservancy’s Fall Block Party. She in turn introduced East Orange’s Sherolady, who was selling handcrafted jewelry and said she was surprised and pleased by her first experience.

They were joined by Healthy Hands Kitchen of Edgewater, presenting paleo, vegan, gluten, sugar, dairy and nut free baked goods, as well as Juice House of Garwood’s acai bowls and juices, adding to the healthy foods and gift-worthy products being offered.

Holiday Market attendees included many grocery shoppers taking a break after their visit to the ShopRite of Newark, located just across Prince Street from the Conservancy’s Judith L. Shipley Urban Environmental Center. Visitors also enjoyed hot cocoa and holiday music while many purchased colorful poinsettias and wreaths.

For more information about other programs, services, volunteer opportunities or to donate to Greater Newark Conservancy, visit www.citybloom.org. You can also follow news from the Conservancy through social media at Facebook.com/GreaterNewarkConservancy and Twitter and Instagram - @Citybloom87.