An upcoming event on Mercer’s Macon campus will highlight skilled artisans while raising support for the University’s Mercer On Mission program. The Global Holiday Market will be 4-7 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Mercer Innovation Center.
“For years, we have been working with artists and craftspersons around the world who are exceptionally skilled but limited due to available markets for their goods,” said Dr. Craig McMahan, Mercer On Mission director. “So, the Christmas Market is a way to support their efforts, call attention to their artistry and open up a small venue for selling their goods.”
The event will feature a variety of one-of-a-kind, handmade products for sale from Mercer On Mission program locations, such as Vietnam, Rwanda, Tanzania and India, said Sami Lowinger, Mercer Innovation Center graduate assistant. The items — which include pottery, artwork, bags and children’s toys — were handpicked and donated by faculty members who traveled to the countries. In addition, some items were made by faculty members, said Chris Carr, Mercer On Mission assistant director.
“We wanted to have an event that exposes the students, faculty and the community to Mercer On Mission,” Lowinger said. “Many are familiar with Mercer On Mission through stories and photos, but our goal is to highlight these countries by bringing their culture and craftsmanship directly to our community.”
Some of the higher-ticket products will be sold during a silent auction, including silks from India, baskets made by a Mercer staff member, and gifts from Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Z Beans and Macon Rocks. Artwork made by Ukrainian refugee children during a Mercer On Mission program in the Republic of Georgia will also be up for auction, with those proceeds going back to the children’s community.
“There are a lot of items that are great for meaningful gifting this holiday season. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find something unique while giving back,” Lowinger said.
The Mercer community can also purchase from the market’s Giving Tree, with those sales directly benefitting specific Mercer On Mission projects, Carr said. For instance, they can make a donation to sponsor meals for asylum seekers, a prosthetic leg for a Vietnamese citizen, and medical checkups for orphans in Honduras.
“We wanted people to feel like they were making a direct impact even if they’re not the ones traveling to the country,” Lowinger said.
Carr said the market will highlight the work being done through Mercer On Mission and give attendees a more personal investment in it.
“The event will shine a light on the heart of Mercer On Mission and be a place for people to come and celebrate,” Carr said. “We are heading into our 20th year of service, and it’s a great time to start some new initiatives. The market has the potential to become an important source of support for Mercer On Mission.”
Attendees can also enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate, and the holiday decor for the market is being styled by Fall Line Brewing.
Check the Mercer On Mission Instagram page for more information and updates on the Global Holiday Market. Cash, card and check will be accepted for sales.
