For three years, it has been a joy to write this column about an endeavor I’ve been honored to be a part of: our Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.

While the spirit of this column has always been personally rooted in the inspiration I’ve found in the stories of our hardworking farmers and makers, I am for the first time writing directly with my own voice to share with you that I am transitioning out of my role as Executive Director for the market.

Photo by Amy Nash for Eat Local First Olympic Peninsula and NODC/WSU Clallam Extension / Check out the Sea Basket Farm booth and others each year, from May through October, at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.

It is with heartfelt appreciation that I embark on this new chapter and continue to support the market in new capacities as I begin a position with the City of Sequim.

As I reflect on the vibrant growth of our market, I am grateful for the talent, resilience, and continued support of the vendors and community members I have represented. It has been an enriching and colorful ride. I am honored to have worked with so many inspiring change-makers and appreciate the friendships developed along the way.

It has been a joy to represent these stories and livelihoods to our community and I look forward to the exciting things on the horizon for this one-of-a-kind market.

You’re likely to still see me on Sequim Civic Center plaza on Saturdays in the market season, but now as a loyal shopper and supporter.

Don’t be afraid to say hello when you spot me beneath armfuls of flowers and vegetables!

With thanks,

— Emma Jane Garcia

A note from the SFAM Board of Directors:

Saturdays at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market saturate the senses with flavors, sights, sounds, aromas, and textures of our community for six months of the year. Walking onto the plaza would bring the rainbows of freshly harvested produce, creative designs and unique hand crafted patterns, lively music drifting from the stage throughout the marketplace, and the smells of warm food swirling through the air and stirring appetites.

Photo by Amy Nash for Eat Local First Olympic Peninsula and NODC/WSU Clallam Extension / Check out the Sequim Bee Farm booth and others each year, from May through October, at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.

All of these sensations are created from people within our community: vendors who create, grow, and provide services, business owners and individuals who demonstrate their appreciation of the market as sponsors, volunteers who educate about the work of local organizations, and all of us who come to intermingle with our community when we arrive walking the dog, meeting a friend, shopping for a neighbor, or for a family outing.

The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market has come to a close for this year, and the work is already underway for another vibrant market season in 2023.

There are six months of the year that the plaza is quiet on Saturdays, yet there is so much motion behind the scenes as the volunteer Board of Directors, staff, and dedicated community members work together to prepare for the season ahead. Committees review the applications of new and returning vendors.

Essential fundraising is undertaken to support programs and operations of the market as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The board and staff participate in development activities for the improvement and advancement of the organization. The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market works to cultivate a belonging space and a viable marketplace by responding to the needs of our community.

We envision an interdependent local economy fueled by entrepreneurs who grow, gather, and create by hand. We see a successful market as a thriving and vibrant community commons that reflects our region. This is what we work for.

This winter we are feeling bittersweet about Emma Jane Garcia’s transition away from her employment with the market. We are so grateful for the growth the market has experienced with her direction over the past three years.

Amy Nash/Eat Local First Olympic Peninsula and NODC/WSU Clallam Extension Check out the Tampopo Farm booth and others each year, from May through October, at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.

As much as we will miss her contagious enthusiasm, we also feel excited that her passion and talents will continue to enrich our community through her new work with the City of Sequim.

The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market Board of Directors are proud to offer new full time and part time employment opportunities for the year ahead. These are dynamic and engaging positions for individuals who share the values and vision of our market.

With the market in a strong position of stability and vibrancy, this is an exciting time to incorporate new energy and perspective onto our team.

Please visit the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market website, sequimmarket.com, for more information about these employment opportunities.

With gratitude and respect,

The SFAM Board of Directors: President Elli Rose, vice president Rachel Anderson, secretary Sam Konovalov, treasurer Mackenzie Gray, and board members David Allen, Robin Barger, Silas Crews, Beverly Goldie and Eric Pickens.