As summer approaches, so do opportunities for more outdoor events. Cesar Chavez Plaza, located on 10th and J streets, is a hot spot for these events because of its convenient location and friendly atmosphere. I Heart Art Craft Market is an event that will take place at the park from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Thursday from May 6 through Oct. 28. Put on by the nonprofit Downtown Sacramento Partnership, I Heart Art is an arena of opportunity for the community to come together and showcase their arts and crafts.

“We came up with the idea for I Heart Art at one of our meetings,” Downtown Sacramento Partnership Events manager Annie Stuckert said. It was a collaborative idea of our staff.”

2009 was the first year for Sacramento’s I Heart Art started. Though economically successful, there was only a total of two vendors. This year, that number has doubled.

“It’s not the biggest event, but it is growing...slowly,” Stuckert said.

Ana Apple Designs is returning from last year and specializes in everything from handmade wallets to onesies. According to its website, Ana Apple Designs is known for “quality (and) affordable upcycled goods for quirky ladies, the guys that find them adorable and their delightfully eccentric offspring.”

Providing products that are developmentally fun is Discovery Toys. The other current vendors include Donna’s Crafts and jewelry artist Christine Waligora. All proceeds go to the artists. I Heart Art is a free, all-ages, rain-or-shine event. Community members are welcome to sign up to become a vendors online anytime through Aug. 26.

According to Stuckert, The Downtown Sacramento Partnership is expecting this year to be more successful than last year's in terms of attendance and sales. There are also plans to continue to keep I Heart Art an annual event.

Visit the I Heart Art website here.