Big Sur artisans get crafty following fire and storms

BIG SUR, Calif. – On Mondays, a small community market is held outside the Big Sur River Inn to help artisans support their businesses, which have taken a hit after a series of unfortunate events starting with the devastating Soberanes Fire. The blaze was followed by a stormy winter that just added to the damage in the Big Sur area.

With summer just around the corner, the community is coming up with unique ways to support each other.

“Even though it’s been a really, really tough year for a lot of people, the community itself really comes together in these times of crisis,” said Ivy Lavelle, owner of the Big Sur Garden Gallery.

A community market is one of them, where local artisans are selling everything from clothing, jewelry, photographs and paintings. Many, like Lavelle, are caught on the south side of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.

“So when I’m not open it’s not just me that I worry about it’s all the artists I represent,” said Lavelle.

The community market is expected to last through the summer, every Monday, 10am to 6pm. And is just another example of the resilience of the Big Sur community.

“Hopefully it helps some people make ends meet and survive this event,” added Rick Aldinger, owner of the Big Sur River Inn.