TIFTON — Around the carport converted into a picnic area at Espresso 41, artists lined up their booths. They filled their tables with jewelry, paintings, macramé and recycled decorative bottles. Attendants browsed as local musicians Joy Johnson and Landon Rowe performed.

 “We wanted local people [to perform],” said Justin Golden, Espresso 41 owner. In the past, they’ve had regional artists play but, he said, “this time we really focused on Tifton.”

Golden said this event is a small way for Espresso 41 to give back to the community.

“We want to give a little bit back – have events for people to be involved in, for artists to display their work,” he said. “We just want to do something for Tifton. Our goal this year and mindset is being local, serving our local businesses and building our community because it builds the people and the community stronger.”

Joy Sheppard from Fitzgerald brought a selection of work that she refers to as “Retique” a combination of recycled and antique materials that she uses to create yard sculptures, lights and décor. She said despite not making any sales, she didn’t regret coming because everyone was “so nice.”

 “Everybody is super friendly and the people that own this place: gems,” Sheppard said. “I love [Belle’s Flower Truck] and I love the décor on the inside. I’m just so jealous we don’t have anything like that in Fitzgerald.”

Heather Wade was Sheppard’s neighbor selling hand crafted jewelry. On display were sparkly beaded necklaces and earrings. She is a full-time, self-taught creator. Wade has attended every artist market hosted by Espresso 41. She said she loves coffee, the space and how affordable it is for vendors.

She uses leather, wire, tassels, beads and bling and plans on continuing to develop her work.

“I want it to look more handmade, artsy, not like something that you buy at the store,” Wade said, adding that attendants can expect to see a greater variety and unique work in the future.

Nearby, Suzanne Milton displayed her abstract paintings made using an acrylic pouring technique and with strings soaked in paint. Milton just moved back after seven and half years in New York. She has a background in film and television, is an online motivational fitness coach and sells her paintings online. This was her second time at the artist market.

“It’s been really great,” she said. “It’s a great way to get some exposure.”

She started working with alcohol inks after seeing it on television. She called it the “gateway drug” to acrylic pouring. Acrylic pouring involves mixing paint with a pouring medium and water until it is as thin or thick as the artist desires then the mixture is poured or sprayed onto a canvas. Milton said she has used straws and strings to paint with and is sometimes surprised at the results.

“And really, I like color and bold colors and bright colors,” Milton said. “That’s really what kind of got me interested in abstract painting because it doesn’t necessarily have to be anything.”

In making work, and in life, Milton said, “I just try to have as much fun as possible.”

Golden said it was a great night for the event.

 “We’re constantly trying to grow it,” he said.

“As a business, this is our third year, we really want to show Tifton how much we appreciate Tifton because Tifton has been really good to us,” Golden said. “We came here to open our business and Tifton has shown us so much love.”

They plan on hosting the artist market around every three months.