Missy Hamilton demonstrates one way to say Happy Valentine’s Day during the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)
A year ago, a group of quirky Salem artists decided to put together a market for purveyors of occult decor, felted dragons, fairy potions and other quirky arts and crafts.
“As both vendors and consumers, we felt that our area lacked a consistent outlet for weirdos like ourselves,” organizers wrote on Facebook.
Market for the Strange has now become a mainstay of the Salem creative scene, celebrating its one year anniversary Sunday, Feb. 11, with a “Strange Lovers” themed event at the Salem Convention Center. Vendors plied wares including poppets, fetal pigs in jars and earrings made of bone and wire.
The Salem-based market has monthly events around western Oregon, including a “Freakshow” market March 30 in Albany, and a punk-themed event May 11 at the state fairgrounds in Salem. Learn more on the Market for the Strange website.
Shoppers peruse the variety of goods at the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Bryan Collins and Adam Stark shop at the Market for the Strange at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)A shopper at the Market for the Strange at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Luna, 6, with a new doll at Market for the Strange at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)It is a family affair to make and sell chocolate for Zeni LaFollett, Megan Burr, and Manny Guendulay at the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Leah Markman holds a handmade leather teacup and saucer holder at the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter) Lindsay Newcomer sits with her husband’s wood portraits during the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)A peddler hawks his wares at the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Love goblin poppets await buyers at the Market for the Strange at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Creator Matthew Hopkins is in the background. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)The biggest seller at this booth at the Market for the Strange was the Bacon Seed, a fetal pig in a jar held by Keri Bridges at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Jim Panek holds one of his hand carved boards during the Market for the Strange at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Camillea Hughes gives advice to a customer during Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)An example of the variety of wares available at the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Scarlett Serrano models earrings crafted from bones and wire at the Market for the Strange held at the Salem Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)
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Laura Tesler has lived in Salem, Oregon for 20 years and is originally from Flint, MI. Laura has been an underwater photographer for 15 years, and is an avid scuba diver. Topside, she has been taking photographs since age 12, and currently works on assignment for the Salem Reporter, and full time purchasing land for fish and wildlife habitat in the Willamette Valley. Laura attended Oregon State University, and has traveled extensively all over the world and the United States.
