A BAGFUL OF BRADENTON
By NICOLE MISKOVIC
If you’ve had the chance to attend one of Realize Bradenton’s summer Mini-Markets, you’ve seen that it’s more than a vibrant hub of local artisans, farmers, and vendors. It’s also a gathering place for community members from all walks of life to enjoy art, music, activities, and community. And with the success of the Summer Safety and Summer Santa Mini-Markets, Realize Bradenton is set to unveil a limited edition Market Bag designed to capture all the feelings we experience when we’re there.
The new bag, which will be designed by Tako Pharsenadze, a local designer and illustrator, will encapsulate the spirit of community found at the Bradenton Market and will become a tangible representation of its impact on our community.
Celebrating Community Through Design
Originally from the Republic of Georgia, Pharsenadze came to the U.S. to study graphic design, business, and fine arts at Ringling College.
“I was always very inclined toward the arts and arts communities. And I think that’s what I found here. So after Ringling, I decided to stay and start my business because I found a lot of community and support here from everyone, especially in the arts,” Pharsenadze said.
Her connection to the local arts scene deepened as she began working on various projects, including branding a gallery in downtown Sarasota. This work introduced her to the Bradenton Market and its mission to foster community through the arts. Inspired by her sense of community, Pharsenadze eagerly took on the challenge of designing a Market bag that embodies the essence of the Market.
Pharsenadze’s design process is thorough and community-focused. She began by interviewing Market vendors to understand their perspectives and what they felt were their defining characteristics. The feedback she received highlighted the Market’s friendly atmosphere and, most importantly, the relationship between community members and the vendors.
“The thing that caught my attention about the Market is its friendliness and the community. I saw that vendors were talking to each other, they were drinking coffee together, they were interacting with their customers as if they were friends,” said Pharsenadze. ”It was just a very warm, friendly atmosphere. It makes me think of bright colors and fun visuals for the design.”
Capturing the Heart of the Market
As Pharsenadze continues to develop the design, she’s staying committed to creating a Market bag that resonates with everyone. Her approach centers on uplifting people and fostering connections between diverse groups.
“It’s challenging to come up with a design that ties together feelings rather than objects. That’s kind of what I’m looking for right now, to capture that friendly atmosphere, said Pharsenadze.
“I recently found out that Bradenton is known as The Friendly City and I thought it was so perfect. It definitely shows at the Market, with everyone talking to each other and telling stories.”
You can get your very own piece of the Bradenton Market when the regular Market season begins in October, which goes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until May. The bag design will be revealed on both the Bradenton Market and Realize
Bradenton Facebook and Instagram accounts, so stay tuned for the official announcement!