On a recent morning at the Chilmark Flea Market, Dana Nunes sat in the back of her car trunk reading a book, surrounded by vintage knick-knacks from a life well-lived.
On a recent morning at the Chilmark Flea Market, Dana Nunes sat in the back of her car trunk reading a book, surrounded by vintage knick-knacks from a life well-lived.
The Chilmark Flea turns 58 this year, and Ms. Nunes has been a part of it for 34 years, longer than anybody else, making her a senior vendor.
“It’s not a job, it’s an utter pleasure,” she said.
Gwen Nichols enjoys the scene.
Gwen Nichols enjoys the scene.
When asked what she likes most about the flea market, Ms. Nunes said: “Well, I love people, for one thing, so that works well. And here I get to talk to people I don’t know and occasionally they hand me money. What’s not to like.”
Two tents over, Liane FitzGerald, of Roy Swim, stood next to racks of pastel yellow and blue swimsuits. She grew up on the Island and has been a part of the Flea since 2013.
“I make handmade reversible swimwear, and this year all my suits are hand-dyed, which has been a lot of fun,” she said. “And I do suits made to order as well.”
As a small business owner, Ms. FitzGerald emphasized the importance and joy of interacting with customers through the flea.
Dana Nunes has been part of the flea for 34 years.
Dana Nunes has been part of the flea for 34 years.
“Seeing people in person and hearing their feedback and excitement, that’s what keeps me going,” she said.
Katherine Clark, owner of Kitzy Pottery, sat perched at her table filled with small hand-crafted ceramic items.
“I could craft all day and be happy,” she said. “The flea market definitely has a nice atmosphere.”
Chandler Cook, with Lucy Vincent Apparel, has been in the business of making hand-screened T-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as embroidered vintage men’s shirts, for eight years. This year is her fifth year at the flea.
Liane FitzGerald of Roy Swim.
Liane FitzGerald of Roy Swim.
“Being amongst all the other makers and the creators is so inspiring,” she said. “I really wanted to start this originally because all of my work was so digital for so long, so I wanted to start using my hands to make things, and then Liane FitzGerald actually helped me start my business screen printing.”
Walker T. Roman, a local painter, displayed landscape paintings featuring scenes from around the Island. Mr. Roman said he is appreciative of the community the flea has given him.
“My favorite part is getting to spend time with the other vendors,” he said. “I have my friends that I see here that I look forward to catching up with every year and commiserating about things that are good and that are bad. I distinctly look forward to that every year.”
Along with local crafts and goods, there are also artisinal goods from faraway places.
Judy Lane, a seasonal resident of Aquinnah, sells a collection of items handcrafted by the Maasai tribe in Africa. Ms. Lane has worked with Maasai Partners, an organization that connects members of the Maasai tribe in Tanzania with an international support network, for a decade.
“I’ve been here probably 12 years, and I work in Tanzania. I have a nonprofit, and I sell fair trade items from all over Africa to raise money for my nonprofit,” she said. “The flea market is just great...it’s just a very good atmosphere here.”
The Chilmark Flea Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday through Sept. 6.
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