2019 Gumbo final - Book - Page 69
Take Me Back to
1857
The Market at Circa 1857 is bringing one-of-akind vintage and original pieces to the people
of Baton Rouge.
he Market at Circa 1857 is bringing one-of-a-kind vintage and
original pieces to the people of Baton Rouge.
Circa 1857 is an artistic community boasting several unique
businesses — The Market being one of them. The business
is located on 1857 Government Street, directly in the heart
of Baton Rouge, and the spirit of the city is apparent as soon as you step
inside.
At The Market, art is the main focus. Showcases of local artists like
Jade Brady and Gerry Wacker line the walls while vintage furniture and
decorations sit below. It’s no surprise that the owner, Garrett Kemp, is an
artist himself.
Kemp began working at The Market in 2013 as he began his college
career. As a studio arts major, he found Circa 1857 was a place to get
hands on experience in the field.
“I wanted to be involved in the arts,” Kemp said. “This was just the place to
do it.”
Along with the featured artists, he said he began to develop an interest in
the antique and vintage pieces the store carries. In 2016, an opportunity
arose. The previous owner decided to sell the business, and Kemp,
encouraged by his family, took the leap and bought the property.
Since then, he has been curating an expansive collection of vintage
pieces. Instead of limiting his choices to a certain era or style, he instead
focuses on structure and lines, architectural accents and how an item can
be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The store carries pieces
from as far back as the 1800s, all still in top-notch condition.
The antique market is still mostly dominated by an older demographic,
but Kemp stressed the opportunity that vintage shopping presents to the
younger crowd.
“[You can] not break the bank,” he said. “But you can still get a good
quality piece that’s interesting and different than what you’re going to get
at Ikea.”
Thanks to the younger generation’s growing focus on sustainability and
quality, vintage shopping has experienced quite the boom. With the
guidance of a young owner and staff, The Market is doing what it can
to cater to this new audience and encourage both an appreciation for
antiques and art.
Kemp is dedicated to keeping the antique store fun and fresh, despite the
age of their products. In the next few months, the store will host several
events guaranteed to prove that The Market is more than just a store.
“I do just want a younger demographic to come in,” Kemp said. “It’s not just
a sleepy, mom-and-pop antique shop.”
On Valentine’s Day, Country Roads Magazine will be hosting a sit-down
dinner at The Market with the theme, “Mid City is for Lovers.” Guests will
enjoy a four-course meal, courtesy of Marcello’s of Baton Rouge, while
taking in the surrounding artwork and antiques of Circa 1857.
Slightly further down the line, The Market will host its third annual
Champarty. For a $5 cover fee, guests will be able to sip on unlimited
champagne and enjoy local music, food and artisans while browsing the
store’s collections. This event will take place Mar 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Beyond events, The Market also recently added a section of the store
dedicated to art supplies to encourage more local artists to visit and
become involved.
“We’re hoping to reach more and more artists and host individual art
events and exhibitions for them.” Kemp added.
Overall, The Market is a celebration of art, past and present, and what
makes Baton Rouge special.
Story • Masie O'Toole
Photo • Reveille Photographer
Design •Chloe Bryars
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