From Honey to Handmade: More's Summer Send Off Market Returns This Sunday

Illinois Bee Rescue honey display from another event - photo provided by Illinois Bee Rescue

Summer’s not over until More Brewing says it is. This Sunday, August 17, Villa Park’s beloved brewery will once again transform its parking lot into a vibrant marketplace, brimming with art, handcrafted goods, and the unmistakable buzz of community spirit. The Summer Send Off Market, organized by the Streetz Artz Alliance, runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., is free to attend, and is entirely outdoors — with the bonus of sipping a fresh craft beer while you shop.

An Expertly Curated Local Lineup

More than 30 artists and makers are rolling into Villa Park for the event, bringing an eclectic mix of wearables, edibles, art, and curiosities. The selection promises something for everyone — from locally sourced honey to horror-themed decor. Here’s just a sampling of what shoppers can expect:

• Handmade soap & beard oil

• Perler bead creations

• Glasswork & laser-etched designs

• 3D printing & woodworking

• Crochet, candles, and apparel

• Coffee, cookies, and pickled goods

• Taxidermy & wet specimens

• Jewelry, horror decor, and fine art

Several participating artists call Villa Park home, including: Art of Alex Kujawa, Bead Streetz, Demise Decor, Illinois Bee Rescue, Scary Terri’s Crafts, Self Made Body and Soul, and Ten Cups Tarot.

Ten Cups Tarot set up at a previous More Brewing event and is one of the returning artists too - photo by Streetz

Meet the Makers

Art of Alex Kujawa – Specializing in ink-on-paper illustrations with digital coloring, Kujawa blends the beautiful and the eerie. Influenced by Art Nouveau, Slavic mythology, and world folklore, her work merges horror and dark fantasy in a style she developed after moving from Poland to Illinois as a teenager.

Bead Streetz – John Streetz crafts pixel-perfect Perler bead creations featuring comic heroes, movie icons, and classic cartoons. Beyond decor, his designs show up as potted “plants” that never die, keychains, and ornaments. “I find bead art to be a very zen thing to do,” says Streetz. “It calms the mind while creating something fun for others.”

Illinois Bee Rescue – Dedicated to saving pollinators, this group rescues bees from homes, rehabilitates them, and partners with local farmers for crop pollination. The reward? A range of pure, raw honey from 15 apiaries across Chicagoland — and plenty of knowledge to share about protecting fragile ecosystems.

The Curator’s Touch

This is the second annual Summer Send Off Market, and this year’s event is curated by Paula Krizek, owner of Self Made Body and Soul.

“As a local maker, I’m so excited to bring this event back to More for a second year,” Krizek says. “It’s a perfect way to wrap up the summer, connect with our neighbors, and support local!”

A Splash of Summerween

While summer’s the star, the lineup includes artists who bring a darker twist:

• Bea-Hooked – Crocheted cryptids

• Demise Decor – Colorful, spooky handmade clay art

• Primtentions – Skull and mystical intention candles

• Scary Terri’s Crafts – Bondage plant hangers, horror backpacks, and more

• Sealed Fate Curiosities – Live specimens and taxidermy

• Ten Cups Tarot – Tarot readings all afternoon

• Wicked Art LLC – Resin and crochet creations with Halloween vibes

Streetz Artz Alliance Favorites Return

Fans will recognize recurring names like Belonio Doodles, Custom Leather Art by Decker, DK Custom Woodwork Co., Ghost Owl Studio, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, Masterclass Savory Sweet Foods, and more.

Food & Drink at More Brewing

The brewery’s taproom and kitchen will be open during the event. Seating is indoors only, but a rear-garage beer stand will be serving a special curated selection. The food menu ranges from shareables like cheese curds and crispy wings to unique dishes like watermelon bruschetta, paneer pakora, tikka masala platters, and samosas.

August’s Burger of the Month, “Mac 2 School,” features double Angus beef, melty American cheese, crisp lettuce, pickles, onions, and signature MoRE Sauce on a toasted Turano sesame bun.

Mac 2 School is the burger of the month at all More Brewing locations for August. Photo by More Brewing

Parking & Practical Tips

While the brewery’s lot will be occupied by the market, parking is plentiful nearby — including public lots north and south of the brewery and street parking in surrounding neighborhoods (just check the signs).

More Brewing also offers wine, craft spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, plus cans and bottles to-go.

Doing Good While Having Fun

Many participating artists donate to charities, including:

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

• Restoration Hardware Ministries

• Heart Haven Outreach

• Fire Buddies

• Delta Gamma Sorority Foundation

• Alzheimer’s Association

• The Brigid Alliance

Event Details

Where: More Brewing Co., 126 S Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181

When: Sunday, August 17, 2024, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Current Artist List (subject to change):

• Adara Selene Creations

• Art of Alex Kujawa

• BAM Loops

• Bead Streetz

• Bea-Hooked

• Belonio Doodles

• Bosco's Marketplace

• Brew Puppy

• Crafted Laserworks

• Custom Leather Art by Decker

• Demise Decor

• DK Custom Woodwork Co.

• Geekbit Creations

• Ghost Owl Studio

• Gigawatt Coffee Roasters

• I Just Wet My Plants

• Illinois Bee Rescue

• Jeannine's Jems

• Kenzie Makes Art

• Lil Bird Kitchens

• Masterclass Savory Sweet Foods

• MasterLink Chainmaille

• megandowntherabbithole

• Mixtape Waxerie

• MPN 3D

• None Of This Is Cake

• Primtentions

• Scary Terri's Crafts

• Scrapgrinder Guitars

• Sealed Fate Curiosities

• Self Made Body and Soul

• Snowingstars

• Stachon Studios

• Ten Cups Tarot

• The Great Sandeenie

• Wicked Art LLC

For the full event page, visit: [Facebook Event Link]

And just a sweet heads-up from Brenda Moore of Masterclass Savory Sweet Foods: “I’m thinking tequila cake might make an appearance at this Sunday’s event.”