“The best part of Sidewalk Saturdays is the community we've nurtured along the way,” said Hannah Alley, the creator of Sidewalk Saturday and Director of Marketing and Programing at The Churchill. “It feels good to be part of something meaningful, surrounded by creative energy.”

 

As a small business owner herself, Alley had first hand experience of the devastating impact the pandemic had on small businesses and local artisans. When The Churchill opened in October after a seven month shutdown, she knew she had to do something.

 

Alley’s business, “Gather Phx,” operates inside The Churchill and acts as a local retail shop and incubator program for small businesses. The small store sells crystals, stickers, and prints from local creators. 

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“I can only fit so many makers inside… so I felt expanding onto the sidewalks created a safe space for the community to connect with local artisans and small businesses in downtown,” she said. “Our goal was simple; be part of the solution and uplift the community.” 

 

In order to pull off her weekly outdoor market, Alley had to find artists to fill the 20 available spots. 

 

“Social media was instrumental in finding and attracting local artisans into the market,” she said. “Within a few weeks of launching… we started a formal application process.”

 

An important part of Sidewalk Saturday is representation, so Alley made sure the vendors “reflected the diversity of Phoenix.”

 

Now, Alley receives over 100 applications each month to review, which “just goes to show how strong and wide the creative network is in Phoenix. We wish we had space for everyone, and maybe someday soon we will.”

 

With the high supply of artists and demand from the community, Sidewalk Saturday was able to expand past The Churchill.  

 

“New Saturday markets including The Pemberton, Friends on First, Heritage Square, Jobot, and Archwood are all popping up on the sidewalks on Saturday,” said Alley. “We feel the creative energy in the streets.”

 

Since the market began during the pandemic, Alley made a commitment to keeping the community safe while supporting local artists. Everyone, including patrons, is required to wear a mask, and there are sanitation stations located throughout the market. 

 

“Our intention is to create an environment in which folks feel safe to come out and participate in Sidewalk Saturdays, either as a vendor or a patron,” she said. “The Churchill has been strongly following CDC guidelines.” 

 

Sidewalk Saturday has received an overwhelming amount of love and praise. 

 

“Since the first day we launched, there’s been an outpour of positive feedback and encouragement from local artisans, businesses, and the community,” she said. People are able to “connect with the local creative community and find inspiration that carries them into their week.”