The Ohio Arts Council has awarded its Arts Access grant to the Haymaker Farmers' Market in Kent Ohio. The grant will help to fund the Market Mural Project to be completed over the next several months at the market site on Franklin Avenue. The Ohio Department of Transportation has approved the project subject to liability waivers from the City of Kent to the State of Ohio regarding future mural maintenance.
The project has been spearheaded by market director Fritz Seefeldt and will utilize the artistic vision of Kent artist and KSU graduate Elaine Hullihen. The mural will be completed by members of the community,art students and vendors from the farmers' market. The completed artwork will be painted on the columns and lintels under the Haymaker viaduct (Edmond Greer Bridge) as it passes over the market site. Scenes of the market and of Kent's unique history will be featured throughout the work.

The Kent market is in the midst of its 18th year having begun in 1992 making it the first public farmers' market in the area. 2010 marks a record year both in terms of diversity and number of vendors as well as in attendance by the public. According to the market manager, the Music @ the Market series spotlighting local musicians and the now completed market bench project have contributed to market growth in recent years. The music series has been partially funded through the city of Kent's Celebrate Kent! grant.

Fritz Seefeldt, director/manager
Haymaker Farmers' Market
http://haymakermarket.com