HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Businesses are coming up with creative ways to stay open and stay safe. On Saturday, Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment launched its first-ever 'Drive Thru Artist Market' in the parking lot.
"Outside from taking on commissions and teachings, I made my first actual product sale today and that was really nice," says Jessica Nunno, owner of Jessica Nunno Art.
Nunno says it's been weeks since she's been in her studio. She's also set up her work outside before, but not quite like this.
"This is not new to me, but it's new for me doing it here [parking lot] because I have a studio upstairs," she added.
Lowe Mill is starting off small with the number of artists in the parking lot. The art hub is offering the drive-thru market every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. It's part of their efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The Lowe Mill building currently allows up to 50 patrons at a time.
One shopper, Crystal Kastanakis, says she likes the new set-up. She wanted a different shopping experience this Mother's Day weekend.
"It's a great activity. It's a beautiful day outside to support local artists and just do something locally. But you know of course, practice the 6 feet apart," says Kastanakis.
Lowe Mill requires artists and patrons to wear face coverings. Transactions are also done digitally on devices. CashApp and Venmo are a part of the acceptable mobile payments. Denise Onwere, owner of Denise Onwere Gallery, says this helps flatten the curve.
'It's different turning down cash, because I just want to take it. But I know that it's going to stop the spread of what's going on. Anything that we can do to help, says Onwere.
Artists also say this is an opportunity to try something new. "It's a good time to come out and figure out how I'm going to do this and make it work, and take the time to make it work," says Nunno.
The parking lot will be open for artists outside of Lowe Mill. They'll be able to set up their tent starting next weekend.
