What’s the hottest spot in Kingston on a Sunday? Both literally and figuratively-Market at The Lawn is quickly becoming the weekend hangout. That is why Ocean Splash names Market at The Lawn-Winner of the Week.
Sundays in the islands tend to be quiet, but recently things were kicked up a notch in Kingston, Jamaica thanks to Market at The Lawn. Call it the revival of the downtown craft market with a twist, not just arts and crafts, but great local fashion, furniture, art, jewelry and organic produce.
“The concept behind Market at The Lawn is nothing new,” says Kaili McDonnough Scott, a journalist who moved to Jamaica last April. After living outside of Jamaica for twenty three years in Washington D.C., London, Sao Paolo, Brazil, Boston and New York City, McDonnough Scott spent her fair share of Sundays browsing outdoor markets and was disappointed upon her return that there was nothing similar in Kingston year round.
“I love going to outdoor markets because I love to shop and I admire the small entrepreneurs, especially the ones who have the talent to create things themselves,” she says. “When I lived in Brazil I was amazed by the huge flea markets. I would go to the Praca Republica on a Sunday, which is the biggest artisan fair and shop for antiques or vintage clothing and jewelry. I would also love to buy the local jewelry and art made right there in Brazil and would wonder why we didn’t have something like this in Jamaica that celebrated local arts and crafts,” McDonnough Scott added.
McDonnough started brainstorming the idea for the type of market that would fit perfectly into the Kingston retail landscape. What she decided on was a market, which would be a cross between a farmers market and an upscale flea market with an eclectic mix of fashion, food, furniture, art, craft, plants and more.
Last Sunday there was a wide variety to shop from at Market at The Lawn including discounted racks from designer boutiques Two Dragonfly, KerryManWomanHome and Baby & Calaloo. There was food and drink from Hamilton’s Smoke House, Susan Couch, Belcour Preserves, newcomer to the desert market Delicate Desserts, Tradewinds Citrus, Lascelles Wines & Spirits and 1876 Wines.
Sixteen-year-old artist and National Visual competitor Laura Anne Fung showed her paintings along with Camille Patterson, Antonio Scott, Wassi Art and stained glass designer Lisa Marzouca. Iron Stuff furniture had a booth as did The Face Place (patrons were raving about the free back massages). Tails of the City, Maria Estrada, jewelry from Pieces of Bianca, Kristina Broderick and Island Gems were just a few of the vendors that braved the scorching sun to sell their wares.
“I thought the day went well especially for a first time event and the booths had great stuff,” said Keisha Ferguson, owner of Delicate Desserts.
The crowd was steady and those who didn’t shop still enjoyed the ambiance of a laid back Sunday outing set to the musical backdrop from crooners such Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Fela Kuti and rocksteady from Desmond Dekker
“We’ll be back again next month with another selection of fantastic vendors, so get ready to shop!” says McDonnough Scott.
Market at The Lawn will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month at The Lawn, 13 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10. For more information contact 585-7233 or thelawnkingston@gmail.com
