This is the sixth article in a Vendor Profile Series intended to share the history and diversity of the Market through the stories of our vendors, as we celebrate our 25th Season. This article is written by journalist Barry Courter.
By the time Phil and Martha Baerreis signed on as vendors for the inaugural Chattanooga Market in 2002, they were 30-year veterans of several markets from around the country.
“We have been creatives for our entire life,” Martha says. “We have done art shows, other markets, a studio/gallery, and online.”
At their Designs by Baerreis booths at both the Saturday River Market near the Tennessee Aquarium and the SundayChattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion, they sell jewelry, wooden puzzle boxes hand-carved by Phil and barrettes that Martha carves.
The unique box designs are made from a variety of species, such as sassafras, spalted maple and walnut, with most carved from a single block of wood.
While they sold at the first Chattanooga Marketa and stayed for the next 10 years, they have not always lived and worked here. They first started selling their artwork in Austin, Texas, in 1972 and have lived and worked in several other places.
“We first did the Chattanooga Market in 2002, going forward,” Martha says. “ In 2012, we had some personal health issues that precluded our ability to continue. We opened a gallery in Murphy, NC. COVID took that, so three years ago we contacted (Chairman, Executive Advisor) Chris (Thomas) and asked if we could re-jury and apply to come back. He said we could, we did, and now we are at the market every weekend. And thankful to be here.”
In the early days of the market, Phil and Martha weren't the only Baerreis who had booths there. Son Nathan sold his photography work and daughter Elizabeth sold her blown glass and mobiles in their own booths for a couple of years.
Martha said several factors help the Chattanooga Market stand out for them and other vendors. For example, it provides plenty of regular customers, the vendors are supportive of each other, and the staff are professionals who care about the little things and the big things, such as making sure the market focuses on vendors who make, grow or produce their own products.
Phil said they are used to defending their work during the application process because he believes it provides a certain level of both fairness and quality of work.
“The Chattanooga market is also juried to the extent that it is balanced,” Martha says, “and each vendor must be willing to demonstrate that the work is theirs and made by them. It is a makers’ market. That is very important, as what we do is, by nature, limited to the work of our hands. As designers and craftsmen, we cannot compete in a market with mass-produced items. By doing a makers’ market, we can make a living.”
“The customer becomes the jury.” --Phil Baerreis
Because it is a regular market and the vendors can usually be found in the same spot each week, Martha said, patrons and vendors get to know each other on a personal level.
“If you stand in one spot at the weekly Chattanooga Market, you will see families gathering, neighbors meeting neighbors, children playing, people enjoying a sweet or snack, people shopping for gifts or necessities or food.
“They will dance and sway to the music, and often sing. It is not uncommon to have visitors from another city or state or country serendipitously meet in a booth. And discover they have much in common.”
“We feel so grateful to be part of the tapestry of life flowing through the Chattanooga Market," Martha said. "It is an extremely special place. A moment in time that is nourishing to the soul.”
