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HOME  TAICHUNG ARTICLES
COMPASS
MAGAZINE  March 2008
Creative Markets in Taichung
By Frida and Marlene Translated by Ann Lee
A world pioneer for selling all kinds creatively made items, arts and crafts was the Spitalfield Market in London. Since then, the trend of crafts markets has become extremely popular and spread all over the world. Even here in Taiwan, there are several designated places where artists and designers come together to present their work and their distinct brands. Many people are probably unaware that here in Taichung we have our very own hip market--La Gare!
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La Gare!
 La Gare, which means "train station" in French, is located in the Stock 20 modern art center. On the fourth Saturday of every month, the area turns into a center for handicrafts, wearable goods, and alternative art. L'orangerie International Art Consultant hosts and plans the events at Stock 20. Their philosophy centers on creating a bridge between the artist and the public; this interaction can be inspiring for both sides and really encourages collaboration and understanding.
Besides the shopping and browsing at La Gare, each month brings several live bands and small-scale activities for the visitors to participate in. While there you can participate in a workshop or check out exhibitions put together by art students. In 2008, La Gare plans to expand its grounds and add more events. During this transition time, the market will only he held once a season instead of once a month, so make sure to come and support the arts!
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A visit to La Gare is a great way to interact with art; it is also a great place to buy a one-of-a-kind gift.
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Behind the train station, Stock 20 has become a modern art center for Taichung. Here visitors can buy and sell items as well as generally soak up the hip, cutting edge ambiance. |
  
Market on March 8th: "My Taiwan Series", a four-season themed calendar notebook designed by Lin Han-song, will be sold for a special price of NT$150--but only on March 8, so don't miss it.
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Have a craft you'd like to share?
The La Gare management team welcomes all kinds of vendors to set up shop at the market. If you'd like to sell your merchandise, just register at Stock 20's website. After filling out the registration form at the bottom of the homepage, send your form to stock20@stock20.com.tw, c/o Ms. Lin Yi-fan. They only have one main rule: All of the merchandise you sell or display at the market must be handmade and not mass-produced or sold in bulk! Also, they do not allow second-hand product sales.
La Gare 3.8
When: March 8, 2008
Where: Stock 20 (near the back entrance of Taichung
Train Station)
Theme: The Floral Spring--If you wear a flower (any size,
real or fake) on your person, the vendors will give you a
discount based on its style and resentation.
Live band performance: 3-5 pm
Website for all La Gare events：
(Stock 20) http://www.stock20.com.tw
stock20lagare -
http://blog.roodo.com/stock20lagare
If you happen to miss this market, don't feel disappointed
as there's always another one! The next one will be held
on Saturday, June 14, so be prepared!
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A Small Room with Big Ideas
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New-generation artists often use venues like creative markets to display their work. After an artist or an indie brand become popular, it is not uncommon for creators to open up a small shop, which provides more access to one-of-a-kind goods. Here is a list of stores--be sure to pop in sometime and support the local arts.
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Magic House 11
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11, Lane 164, SanMin Rd, Sec 3
(04) 2225-2627
2-10 pm closed on Mon)
http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/free-alchemy
Hidden in the small alleys of Taichung, Magic House 11 is a dreamy little shop owned by two good friends; everything you see inside, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, tote bags and cell phone accessories, is completely made by hand with wire and natural jewels. Every item in the shop is unique. When you buy something here, you also receive guaranteed service and maintenance--indefinitely! One of the owners is also a tarot card reader, so you can make an appointment for your next reading while browsing through the shop. In addition, Magic House 11 showcases some individual designer brand accessories so, if you're looking for fashionable items to spice up your wardrobe, pay this place a visit.
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Why Not |
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3, Alley 6, Lane 500, WuQuan Rd (behind Building
'B' of Chung Yo Department Store)
(04) 2223-7828
weekdays 2 pm-10pm,
weekends 1:30 pm-10 pm
http://www.wretch.cc/blog/wwwhynot
When stepping into Why Not, you'll be welcomed by a generous display of creative handmade items on the shelves. This shop sells the work of about 50 designers and artists, which is quite a feat, considering the store's tiny size. Whether it's stationery supplies, decorative items, fashion accessories, bags, clothing or scooter helmets, this place is full of pleasant surprises. The store's manager, Xiao-Yi, has also got a set of creative hands and makes her own crafts. However, she notes that creative markets are held at irregular venues and times, so it is difficult for people to visit and difficult for her to sell, so she opened up Why Not to solve this problem. The store also offers custom-made items, as well as after-sale service and maintenance.
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