Austin- Tourists as well as local residents can now shop for unique, handcrafted Latino gifts downtown at the Artisan Mercado on Congress and 5th Street from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every third Saturday. The Mercado, which began in May, will feature handcrafted jewelry, clothing, ceramics, glass, crafts and paintings made by local artisans and artists. The marketplace, located on the sidewalk outside of Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave, is free and open to the public.

Mercado dates include:

June 17
July 15
August 19
September 16

“Downtown Austin has many tourist attractions such as restaurants, museums, the state Capitol and a farmer’s market, but was not showcasing local Latino artwork and crafts,” stated Artisan Mercado coordinator, Claudio Lopez, owner of online  jewelry boutique Athena Silversmith. Lopez, originally from Mexico City, completed his Associate's Degree in the Jewelry Program at Austin Community College in 2016 and has been in business for six years making and selling handmade jewelry at local art markets.

Find more details at https://www.facebook.com/artisanmercadoonCongressand5th.This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and Mexic-Arte Museum.