Who We Are

Artists & Fleas creates weekly markets where emerging artists, indie designers, vintage collectors, and handmade crafters can set up shop, meet others and get in touch directly with their customers while being a part of a weekly, dynamic community happening. Established in 2003 in Williamsburg Brooklyn, Artists & Fleas is a unique destination for the community of artisans, collectors and cool-hunters to come together in a thriving alternative-to-retail setting where buyers and sellers can meet from around the world. Our current markets include the Artist, Designer & Vintage Market (open year-round) and the Market in McCarren (Summers only, beginning May 1st).

The Whole Story

In December 2003, we opened Artists & Fleas in an empty warehouse on N. 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Established as a weekly marketplace to bring emerging artists, indie designers, vintage collectors & enthusiasts and anyone seeking a place to show and sell together in a relaxed alt retail environment to network, sell and get feedback directly from shoppers and fellow creative folks, the market was fast embraced by the community. In a city full of creative and enterprising individuals, there was no real place that gave emerging and talented people the opportunity to set up for a day and sell in an environment that was friendly, fun, full of energy and enjoyed the rich and diverse pedestrian traffic that Williamsburg has.

Part community gathering spot, part hipster haven, Artists & Fleas has hosted thousands artists and vendors since opening its doors.

We love cool stuff. We love to shop. We love the thrill of discovery. And we especially love discovering new things in out-of-the-way places where we can meet the people behind the creations. Artists & Fleas was a way to bring all the things we loved together to a community that was creative and dynamic but lacked a place to come together.

Now in its seventh year, Artists & Fleas continues to be a destination for shoppers, a launching pad and store front for artists and designers and collectors, and an attraction for locals and visitors from near and far in search of local flavor and the indie spirit. Over the years, we’ve received incredible feedback. People never fail to comment about the vibe, the quality and integrity of the work, and – most importantly – the deep sense of community that the market has fostered for those who have set up and sold. Amy has taken much of her passion for fostering entrepreneurship and made it into a full-time pursuit through the creation of In Good Company, a New York City-based community and office space for women business owners and entrepreneurs. She and her business partner speak, write and blog about the expanding definition of entrepreneurship here and across a variety of other media. Ronen actively works online and offline to promote, grow and nurture the community of independent artists, designers and entrepreneurs for whom Artists & Fleas serves or can serve as a place of business, of meeting, of sharing or a place to try new things.

The market is a place to build your business without any of the hassles of traditional retail and with all of the advantages of being an independent entrepreneur. To this day, vendors benefit from being part of the collective and enjoy many things, including direct contact with customers, direct sales to the public and the opportunity to be a part of something bigger.

While we were creating a business, we also wanted to create an experience and a destination – a place that would never quite offer the same experience twice. With new vendors every week, guest DJs spinning, an occasional guest musician appearance visits from neighborhood characters and regulars, Artists & Fleas is a vibrant community place and a vital weekend destination to shop and sell.

Next time you’re in Williamsburg or anywhere around NYC, check out, hang out & shop with us.

Amy Abrams & Ronen Glimer