The Found Market last weekend at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds showcased 78 artists, collectors, designers and services from around the Northwest.

The event, held since 2016, was organized by Sam Smith of Josephine’s Mercantile and Carin Anema of Valley Vintage Market, both of Port Orchard.

Smith said the event sprang from the desire to reach more patrons than they could from their brick-and-mortar establishments in Port Orchard. Their particular styles of “redeemed” wares and decor, which she described as “vintage, handmade and industrial,” struck a chord in the community, and her and Carin’s shops were both at capacity. Both thought that a community-focused event would be welcomed.

Smith specifically mentioned vendors from Olympia, Chehalis and Bellevue, but locals weren’t crowded out.

TBD Pottery’s Jacob Cowan, for instance, hails from Port Orchard, and described himself, firmly, as a potter, and not a “ceramatist” or another type of artisan, since his items are intended for use and not just show. He has exhibited his hand-crafted pottery and demonstrated his techniques for onlookers, at events in Port Orchard before, but this was his first time at an event like this. Cowan said that he’d felt the Found Market would be a good way to increase his exposure to others who appreciated ceramic arts.

The range of items purveyed ranged the gamut from pies and true antiques, to new, but rustic, works of art. And, although some folks may have come to ferret out that unique, and hidden diamond-in-the-rough, others were there looking for inspiration. Gary Bauder, for instance, had been blindsided by an antique blowtorch and an Asian-styled garden lantern.

Designed by Meg was a popular vendor at the Found Market.