Mindy | 
05 20th, 2010| 
Way back in 1969, along Guadalupe Street, known as ‘The Drag’ in Austin, artisans started to congregate on the sidewalks, which then grew into hundreds of artisans selling their artwork, crafts and a variety of unique handmade items. Finally, in 1973 a formal market was established and the People’s Renaissance Market was created and promoted by the City of Austin Parks and Recreations Department . In 1974, the local artist painted a mural on the wall of the market, which represents a humorous look at Austin’s people and culture. In 2002, the mural was renovated and updated to include current Austin icons. In 1982, the street was permanently closed to auto traffic and is now home to 50 artists and artisans that operate in this beautiful open-air arts and crafts market.
Most visitors and tourists come to Austin for the music and entertainment aspect that Austin is famous for, but when they discover the Renaissance Market, they turn into savvy shoppers of art and don’t leave empty handed. The market offers visitors a unique shopping experience and they will find an incredible array of handmade art, fine art and craft items for sale such as the attractive hand-crafted jewelry, apparel, original art, candles, leather goods, and one-of-a-kind handmade whimsical items like waxed linen, hemp wire and wrap, crochet hats and earrings, Lava bracelets, woodworking, ceramics, metal punching, custom scrap books, greeting cards, painted bottles, artistic flip-flops, beaded art, horse shoe nail jewelry, and soaps; there’s basically no way any tourist can not purchase something either for their homes or for a friend, mainly because each artist at the market is hand-picked for their exquisite, unique and beautiful work. The market is a great foundation not only for well-known established artist, but for beginning artists as well. So, no matter if tthe tourist is looking for the perfect gift, or a piece of art to add to their collection, they will enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of this thriving artist community.
The Renaissance Market is located in the heart of the University of Texas community, nestled on Guadalupe Street at W. 23rd and is open daily from 8am to 10pm. It’s within walking distance from most of the Austin hotels and most of the well known Austin City attractions
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