Tulsa art event raises money for equality

by Nick Weaver
Staff Writer

A new event is coming to Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) in Tulsa, and with it, a new community of artists.

The Pearl District Maker's Market (PDMM) was created in 2013 by Eric Dean and Denali Gillaspie as a way of giving Tulsa artists and performers an inexpensive way to exhibit their work. At these events, shoppers can browse, buy customized portraits, handmade pottery, bone jewelry, resin-sculpted earrings in the shape of candy, organic baby clothes and pillows made of recycled materials, personalized blankets and embroidery.

You can also get a massage or grab some food off the grill. Although the event has grown in size since its inception, the Maker's Market started out small.

“We did it as a way to gather up local artists, musicians, and poets in the community, and use our combined talents to support one another,” says Dean. However, after losing their old venue in 2014, the creators partnered with OkEq to bring the event to a larger audience.

“We decided as a group that the Equality Center would be the perfect home for PDMM moving forward,” added Dean.

Now, surrounded by rainbow flags and banners, the artists have a new place to sell their wares, and in addition, take in a good show. PDMM also concurrently runs a monthly open mic. Instead of piped-in elevator Musak, shoppers can listen to punk guitarists, jazz soloists, belly dancing routines, spoken word poetry, and live band performances one after another.

The next show is set for March 7th, in the Equality Center at 621 East 4th Street. This year, famed Oklahoma poet and LGBT activist Lauren Zuniga will be headlining, as well as featured sets from The British Invasion of Tulsa and Black Kat Benders. Artists will be selling from noon-9, admission is $3. Proceeds go to the venue, vendors, and performers. You can find out more at facebook.com/pearlmakersmarket.

The Gayly – February 16, 2015 @ 12pm.