Customers are drawn to his booth by his energy and bright artwork. Larry loves being on the Plaza, chatting with customers and vendors alike, and it shows. We enjoy stopping by his booth to catch up with him and check out his new pieces of artwork. His vibrant paintings reflect his boundless energy and passion for people.

A native of Baltimore, Larry has painted over 2,500 pieces of art throughout his life. Come and pick one up this week at the market!

The brains behind Sahabo, Sande Edwards, is a talented lady and she’ll be showing off her handmade books this week. Sande makes her books using the Coptic Stitch and each is unique. She even offers classes, so you can learn how to make your own books using this ancient technique.

We can’t wait to see her new books on Saturday, like the beautiful sketchbook pictured here (perfect for doodling!). And don’t miss the books made from old records - perfect for the music lover in your life.

OLIVIA MANCINI!! Can you tell we’re excited?!?

We’re excited for a few reasons: Olivia is a local gal and FSM veteran; she plays rocking pop music, but used to play classical music on a french horn; and she doesn’t take herself too seriously!

Her music has been described as ”Patsy Cline meets Tom Petty sounds flip, but it’s accurate when it comes to this DC-based singer songwriter” (Elizabeth Bougerol, www.nbcnewyork.com).

You can check out her music here. We’re partial to “I Wouldn’t Worry”, which has become the 2012 FSM theme song. A she has a new band with Jarrett Nicolay called Astra Via and they’re headlining the Black Cat next week. THE BLACK CAT!

Don’t miss Olivia at the market this Saturday from noon – 2:00pm!

The Abundant Backyard responded to market customers’ requests last year by creating edible container gardens for balconies and porches with locally grown pesticide free plants in reclaimed containers. Collections include:  Fragrant Herbal Tea Plants, Woody Herbs for Grilling and Roasting, and a colorful Salad Sampler of edible flowers, greens and herbs. Also available will be the popular Sustainable Native Plant Sampler Kits.

And you can enter a drawing for a gift basket that celebrates the abundance of our region with locally produced, sustainable products! Proceeds will support Silver Spring Green and the basket includes:

Abundant Backyard Gift Certificate for One hour “Garden Buddy” Consultation

Banner Bee Company Honey – recently voted by Maryland Life Magazine as Maryland’s finest

Black Ankle Vineyards Passeggiata Maryland Wine

2 Cans of Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company Coffee

Handcrafted Reusable Grocery Bag by El Rosal Sewing Cooperative

Handmade Set of note cards of Native Flower Photos by FSM vendor Amy Carmichael Smith, a local Silver Spring Photographer

Pyramid Atlantic will be doing a screen printing demo with our logo from noon – 2:00pm, so bring a t-shirt with you to the market.

Recipe Book by Sahabo

As always, we will have an exciting group of vendors for you. This week, don’t miss:

Sahabo: Sande’s handmade books have been called crazy good and we agree. If you don’t know what the Coptic stitch is, hop on over to her booth to find out.

Larry Stevens Art: for the first time this season, Larry will be at the market. Come check out his colorful artwork!

Reflecting Nature: unique notecards that are made from 100% post-consumer recycled material

Mara Berman’s Intuitive Readings: come have your tarot cards read by Mara!

Sugar Lily Hair Bows: pick up a handmade bow or headband – perfect Spring accessories for little ones

Shel’s Studio: Silver Spring local Shel returns with her pottery that puts the “fun” in functional

Fitbliss Organics is back! They were a first-time vendor on Opening Day and are back again this week with their all organic skincare products.

As the name suggests, all of his wood pieces are carved by hand – like this lovely cherry piece “Our Tree of Life”. And this Saturday he will be carving on site at the market!

A veteran of Eastern Market and local fine art fairs, we are glad to have Lenny back with us in Silver Spring this season. He creates decorative pieces as well as mirrors, cutting boards, and candy dishes.

Stop by this week to pick up a one of a kind work of wooden art and to watch him create new artwork on the Plaza!

The longer answer has to do with changes to Plaza regulations: our new contract with Montgomery County prohibits food preparation of any kind on the Plaza.

But, we have found a way to make sure Miguel can bring his crepes and donuts back to the market. They will be located right next to the Plaza in the first two parking spaces on Ellsworth. Look for them again starting on May 12th!

Conveniently located under the pavilion in booth #55, they provide shoppers with a wide variety of books and their expertise. This couple have an ever changing stock of fiction, non-fiction, and kids books. Stop by soon to see what  books you can find!