Saturday June 9 Riverwalk Market Fair hosts musician & children's activity with fine food and art

On Saturday, June 9, Riverwalk Market Fair will again treat visitors to locally grown produce, delicious pastries and an array of fine art and fine craft. This week’s Fair showcases a featured artist and a featured farmer, a talented local musician, a children's activity and its newest addition, Riverwalk’s “Friend of the Market” – a community-based nonprofit.

Featured Artist

This Saturday's feature artist, ceramics artist Juliane Shibata, holds a master of fine arts degree in ceramics from Bowling Green State University and bachelor of arts degree in studio art from Carleton College. Shibata creates ceramic sculptures, which she says “rely on the recurrence of smaller forms to engage the viewer.” She also enjoys making functional pottery.

Shibata currently manages the Northfield Arts Guild Gallery. Previously, she was an artist in residence at Ox-Bow, affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and also the Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee and The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China.

Featured Farmer

Ruth Edstorm of Ruthie’s Kitchen is this Saturday's featured farmer. Ruthie’s Kitchen is best known for its handmade caramels, Czech kolache, hot pepper jams and jellies. Ruthie’s Kitchen evolved out of Edstrom’s passion for creating handmade treats that put smiles on the faces of her guests. Following a suggestion to sell her caramels, she began fulfilling individual orders. Four years ago she branched out to sell at markets and now includes Riverwalk Market Fair among her favorites.

Friend of the Market

Also on Saturday, June 9, Riverwalk will host the community nonprofit organization, Save the Northfield Depot. The mission of Save the Northfield Depot is to rescue, restore and reuse the defunct 1917 Northfield depot for public use. The historic building includes a pavilion and baggage house. Canadian Pacific has offered the depot building for one dollar if moved from the property. The City of Northfield has offered city land for the relocation if adequate funds are raised for the move and renovation. The future site will serve as a visitors' attraction and a gathering place for the community. Visit Save the Depot at Riverwalk Market’s welcome tent.

Musical Highlight

In addition, Aaron Hagenson will play American roots-inspired folk and blues guitar beginning at 10 a.m. Hagenson was formerly lead guitar and song-writer for The Last Known Whereabouts, voted best band in Northfield in 2009.  Hagenson currently plays with the Rice County All-Stars and Your Friends and Family throughout the Twin Cities and the region.

Kid's Activity

Saturday's arts and crafts activity for children of all ages will be facilitated by Isaac Burton, a junior at St. Olaf College currently studying Studio Art.  Isaac is interning with Riverwalk Market Fair as part of St. Olaf's Center for Experiential Learning.