| DIY People: Creating an Urban Market |
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A huge circus tent is rising among the old warehouses and Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks just a mile or so northwest of downtown Atlanta. The tent is the signature of an extraordinary effort by Marlo Klorfine to bring people back to the city's center and, to expose Georgians to the area's finest artists, chefs and retailers. The Market On Means Street is a three-day, quarterly event that attracts thousands and helps raise needed materials for the area's children. "Everything has to be wonderful," says Marlo, who personally selects each of the vendors. "Whether it's a bar of soap for $8 or a painting for $25,000, it has to be perfect." There's no doubt that the variety and quality of the offerings keeps people coming back to the market. "Where else in Atlanta, or for that matter most anywhere, can you find such an assembly of artisans?" asks a visitor from Savannah. "To discover moss covered barn stones from the UK, next to a fireman's wife selling authentic Tucson pottery is a truly a treat." But none of this happens by accident. "We begin planning the next market before this one is over. We are constantly searching for and being approached by craftspeople wanting to be part of this crazy event," says Marlo as she flies about attending to every possible detail. Truly a ringleader under the huge tent, Marlo's dream is now expanding to adjacent warehouses as the market grows in popularity. "I'm a native Atlantan, says one vendor, "and what Marlo is doing for the city is wonderful. Every city needs something like this. Every city needs a Marlo Klorfine." Can anyone create an urban market in his or her hometown? "Absolutely," says Marlo. "An urban market can flourish wherever people care about good food, great art and their neighborhood. Every city should experience this, it just takes a whole lot of organization and determination." Looking around at people enjoying themselves," Marlo adds, "And, it's worth it." You can discover more about the market and learn of its next event by logging onto www.marketonmeansstreet.com.
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