By 5:30 pm last Sunday, a happy crowd had gathered upstairs at Emmer & Rye Restaurant, dining on Chef Seth Caswell’s delectable appetizers and sipping local wine and ale. The lovely space, with its skylights, dark wood and stained glass, was made even lovelier with glowing candelabra, flowers, and Andre Feriante’s lyrical guitar, which put everyone in a relaxed and jubilant mood. 
We had among us writers, firefighters, marketing execs, retirees, artists, volunteers, and farmers (including Siri and Jason of Local Roots Farm).
At 6 pm, the market’s cowbell rang, and we prepared for the unveiling of the 2010 poster. The audience was introduced to all the artists in the room, then warned that the poster art might contain (ahem) nudity. And voila: naked carrots, fresh, colorful, and gorgeously-coiffed.
Want a poster? They are available at Queen Anne Frame for a $15 minimum donation.
There followed a loud round of applause for our poster artist, Elizabeth Mullaly, and soon after, a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” for her husband James, complete with a candle-topped Wink cupcake. (Wink got its start at QA Farmers Market in 2007!) Jon Boyce’s name was drawn as winner of the $200 framing certificate. Vintner Kurt Johnson gave us a brief intro to his wine, and we all got back to partying.
Several business cards exchanged hands. Some folks began to plot other uses for the beautiful space.
At 7 pm, our guests gathered their coats and posters. Paper sacks weighted with fresh cookies (baked by volunteers Margaret, Brandy, and Kimberly) were distributed. (For all those who asked, here is a pdf of Brandy’s recipe for decadent chocolate chip cookies).
Laughter and accolades and goodbyes floated up the stairwell as the party dissolved. And by 7:30 pm, a very civilized hour (some might say geriatric), most of us were home with our feet up.
In two hours, Art for the Market raised $1,000 toward our $25,000 fundraising goal. The funds, which are needed for staffing, permits, insurance, tents, tables, signage, and more — will enable us to bring the farmers back to Crockett Street this summer.
Want to help? Please consider a tax-deductible donation.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the event, from our volunteers and guests to our sponsors: Seth Caswell and Emmer & Rye for the great food (and Lacey and Joey for the service), Full Circle for the produce, Ward Johnson Wine and Fremont Brewing for the libations, Queen Anne Frame for the gift certificate and Metropolitan Market for the lovely tulips.
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