What cities spring to mind for world-class flea markets? London, Paris, Trenton. Trenton? Move over Portobello Road and Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt, here comes the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, where on April 2 and 3, New Jersey flaneurs can get lost in a sea of hard-core creativity and one-of-a-kind objects for sale.
Get a custom tintype portrait of yourself taken by photographer CJ Harker using a photo process that is over 100 years old. Never got over Nintendo? Then stop by the 8-bit Fusion table where Leigh Milligan has turned her Nintendo obsession into a line of wacky wearable art. Slake your thirst for unique flasks at Wrong World Ceramics’ table, where Chase Brown turns out kiln-fired liquid containers emblazoned with amazing designs and rich textures that are fully functional.
Harker, Milligan and Brown are just a few of the hundreds of unique vendors who fill every inch of the historic Roebling Machine Shop on South Clinton Avenue in Trenton during the new two-day version of the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each day will feature a whole new lineup of vendors, with the $5 admission good for both days. In addition to hundreds of vendors, TPRFM Founder and Director Joseph Kuzemka has curated a lineup of over a dozen food trucks each day.
“Creative people, creative food, creative wares, it all adds up to a perfect way to spend your weekend,” said Kuzemka.
For off-beat, out-of-step, lovingly-crafted products that cannot be obtained anywhere else, the TPRFM is the place.
“We deal in the realm of street art, taxidermy/bone art, pop art, decoupage, repurposed/recycled, assemblage, silkscreen art and more,” said Kuzemka. “We have makers that are creating artisanal soap and other bath and body products out of all natural, animal-friendly and vegan products; handmade jewelry makers; 3D printers, candle makers; wood carvers, you name it. You kind of have to see it to believe it,” he said.
As in the past, giving back to charity is an important component of the TPRFM. Kuzemka will donate a percentage of income from the event to the A-TEAM arts collective non-profit, which will also have a complementary table at the event. The event is also donating tables to other non-profits such as the Lady Margaret Animal Foundation and Eden Autism Services. Kuzemka said the TPRFM receives $1 per ATM transaction, all of which they donate back to Eden Autism Services, something the TPRFM has done for the last four events.
The next Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market will take place at the Historic Roebling Machine Shop, 675 S. Clinton Ave. in Trenton, on April 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with over 200 different vendors and a dozen different food trucks each day. $5 admission is good for both days. Web site: www.trentonpunkrockfleamarket.com.
