Getting Artsy at the Blue Banana Market

I was walking down Augusta Avenue today headed towards my regular pilgramage to the Kensington Market area when I discovered a new addition to the area. Passing the numerous empanada shops, construction worker stores (why so many I can't figure out) and people singing on the street that should consider a career move, I ran across a new destination that is certainly not to be missed. The Blue Banana Market at 250 Augusta Avenue is an artists' dream location and an inspiration to the local community.

Snuggled in the middle of this active block, Blue Banana Market is a humongous, two-story warehouse of eclectic goods from apriring artists, jewellers, craftsmen and importers, mostly from the local area. The store is arranged as such that every artist has his/her own showcase area-a small storefront so-to-speak to showcase the uniqueness of their talent. Set up in a trade-fair type arrangement, artists are able to display their crafts and take advantage of a kind and friendly sales staff that will assist customers with their purchases at a central cash register.

I highly suggest the way array of soy candles from a local Ontario manufacturer that greet you at the door (called Muskokka candles). These environmentally solid candles come in dozens of scents that will rival even the largest candle retailers. I could not decide myself which one to take, so I took home a few.

Blue Banana Market is a place that you feel good shopping in. It's not a big box retailer and they set out to market the smaller, creative artists of our province.

photo by robin yap

TAGS: Augusta Avenue, Blue Banana Market, Kensington Market, Toronto Shopping

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

Andrew said:

I was not impressed by this market. The space is large but most of the products are not great quality. There were a few decent artists with sculptures, clothing, paintings, photos, etc... but the majority of the stuff was not very good at all. All in all, if you like crappy stuff, check this place out.

Posted at 10:25 PM, on November 26 2007

2

Tia said:

I loved this place!! It had such a variety of interseting things, I could have stayed in there forever! I was very impressed.

Posted at 05:16 PM, on March 21 2009

3

Terie said:

It may have started out with good intentions for Canadian arts and crafts, but I was in there yesterday, and the amount of "Made In China" products made me want to vomit. Never again will I go to the Blue Banana.

Posted at 02:39 PM, on May 15 2009

Getting Artsy at the Blue Banana Market

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