Sip, Shop, and Explore: Streetz Artz Alliance Brings Fresh Artisan Market Back to Geneva
- John E. Streetz
- May 27
- 5 min read
The Streetz Artz Alliance returns to Art History Brewing in downtown Geneva this Sunday, May 31st, bringing a completely refreshed lineup of artists and makers for an intimate six-hour artisan market designed for a relaxing afternoon of shopping, craft beer, and community. Running from 11am to 5pm at Art History Brewing, 649 W. State St. in Geneva, the free, family friendly event will feature handmade goods, original artwork, self-care products, books, jewelry, crystals, home décor, woodworking, and much more — all curated inside one of the Chicago suburbs’ most celebrated craft brewery taprooms.
Organized and curated by Alissa Harris of the Streetz Artz Alliance, the State Street Artisan Market focuses heavily on variety and balance, making sure patrons can explore a carefully selected mix of artists and products without feeling repetitive or overcrowded. Harris has become a key figure in the regional maker community through her work curating events at breweries and venues across the suburbs including Hailstorm Brewing, Brother Chimp Brewing, Church Street Brewing, and Art History Brewing. As an artist herself through Cats, Crafts & Cooking, she understands both the needs of vendors and what creates an enjoyable experience for shoppers.
“Big news from A Little Raz of Color… I’m stepping out from behind the paintbrush and into my very first Makers Market!” shared artist Amanda Mary ahead of the event. “This whole journey started as a creative outlet, and now I get to share it in person with other artists, makers, and people who love supporting local creativity.”
Her debut appearance at Art History Brewing is one of several exciting additions to this weekend’s lineup, alongside Maeley Studios LLC also known as LC Clark Creations.
Left to right: Spots are aligned on the left wall inside the brewery and under the overhang outside in the patio area. The brewery will have a great
The market will also feature several Streetz Artz Alliance favorites that regular attendees have come to seek out at events throughout the region. DK Custom Woodwork Co., owned by Drew Katchmar, continues to impress patrons with handcrafted hardwood pieces made using both modern and century-old inherited woodworking tools. Guests can expect stunning charcuterie boards, whiskey flights, serving trays, bottle openers, kitchen accessories, and functional art built from domestic and exotic hardwoods like Purpleheart, Wenge, Walnut, and Zebrawood.
Another standout returning artist is Snowingstars, whose handmade jewelry and sparkling accessories consistently draw crowds looking for affordable statement pieces and gifts. The event will also spotlight Robin Monique Rios Art, a Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist and author whose work ranges from paintings and mixed-media sculptures to gothic-inspired photography and her dark vampire novel Raevyn’s Plight .
Chuck's Wood Fired Pizza will be on site started at 1pm to serve up some delicious food to patrons of the event. photo by artist
For those seeking cozy handmade goods and thoughtful gifts, EZ Angel Creations will showcase hand-knit and crocheted accessories, drink cozies, earrings, wall hangings, and small-batch home décor pieces. “Starting to pack up some wall hangings for Sunday,” the artist recently shared while preparing inventory for the event.
Visitors interested in wellness, spirituality, and self-care will find plenty to explore from artists like Self Made Body and Soul and That Girl at the Market. Self Made Body and Soul offers handcrafted soaps, scrubs, body butters, oils, candles, mists, and intention-focused products created by artist Paula, whose mission centers on helping people reconnect with themselves through self-care rituals. That Girl at the Market will feature crystals, manifestation candles, smudge sprays, handcrafted jewelry, and spiritual tools designed to support healing and intention-setting.
The Streetz Artz Alliance itself has become one of the most respected grassroots artisan communities in the Chicago suburbs. Founded by John E. Streetz, creator of Bead Streetz, the alliance now includes more than 350 local independent creators and small businesses. The group emphasizes highly curated vendor lineups, strictly prohibits MLM companies and corporate resellers, and prioritizes handmade artistry, originality, and community connection. Markets are intentionally designed to remain welcoming, family friendly, and free for the public.
Community support also extends beyond the markets themselves. Many participating artists actively donate to charities and local causes throughout the year. DK Custom Woodwork Co., for example, supports organizations including Heart Haven Outreach and Restoration Ministries. While charitable giving is not a formal requirement of the Streetz Artz Alliance, the culture of giving back has become a defining trait among many of the artists who regularly participate in these events.
Alongside the shopping experience, Art History Brewing will provide the perfect pairing of award-winning craft beer and food throughout the afternoon. According to taproom manager Chelsea Wisz, Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza will be serving from 1pm to 5pm with their featured market special, “The Hot Damn Banana Pepper.” Guests can also enjoy several recent brewery releases including Catch the Sun Hefeweizen, Earthworks Imperial IPA, and Bella Strada Italian Pilsner. Bella Strada, inspired by Italy’s Stelvio Pass mountain roadways, features floral hop notes, Italian Eraclea malt, and a crisp dry finish that pairs exceptionally well with patio weather and artisan browsing.
Since opening in 2020, Art History Brewing has quickly built a reputation as one of the premier craft beer destinations in the Chicago metropolitan area. Co-Founded by Tom and Cindy Rau, the brewery is known for its dedication to traditional European-style lagers, classic cask ales, and hop-forward American beers.
In addition, Art History Brewing has a new Director of Brewing Operations as of last July, Carolyn Stephens. The brewery’s inviting atmosphere combines a social beer garden feel with an intimate indoor taproom designed for both casual visitors and remote workers alike.
Left to right: Three new pieces, all from #alittlerazofcolor, that you can also check out on their Instagram page. They are making their debut at the State Street Artisan Market and one of a plethora of reasons to check out the show this Sunday!
The full artist lineup for the State Street Artisan Market currently includes:
A Little Raz of Color
Atlas Art Designs
Cat’s Crafts & Cooking
DK Custom Woodwork Co.
EZ Angel Creations
LC Clark Creations / Maeley Studios LLC
Melanie Klegerman Fersko – Artist and Author
Robin Monique Rios Art
Self Made Body and Soul
Sew-Kerry Embroidered Creations
Snowingstars
Sticksnstones
That Girl at the Market
The State Street Artisan Market is free to attend, family friendly, and will take place mostly indoors with the possibility of a few artists setting up beneath the brewery’s outdoor overhang. Plenty of nearby parking is available for guests, and Art History Brewing is also a participating stop in the popular Summer Passport program, making this event an ideal Sunday destination for craft beer enthusiasts and supporters of local art alike.
