The Gruene Market Days exclusive appeal is that all products sold
are made by the vendors themselves.
The Gruene Market Days exclusive appeal is that all products sold
are made by
the vendors themselves.
May 17 & 18
10-5 Both Days
Monika Astara - Featured
Artist of the Month
Monika Astara is May’s featured artist. Monika worked in Germany as a teacher in a prison, then public schools for 7 years during which time she got 2 Masters degrees and was about to get tenure. She then quit, took off to the States and hitchhiked in California, where she met Marvin, her husband of 25 years. They eventually settled in Salem, Oregon where Monika waited on tables in a variety of upscale restaurants. At the encouragement of her stepson she made a number of wild but wonderful pieces with lace, raw silk, satin, lame, knits, animal prints, glitter paint and rhinestones, then invited customers she had met from the restaurants. Most were professionals who were very reserved and very proper. Monika’s nerves were soon calmed as they put on the clothing and started dancing, laughing, and running up and down the stairs. They couldn’t believe how much fun they had & they bought everything they had put on. From Salem, they moved to Santa Cruz, Monterey, Sedona, Maui & then Colorado where she opened and operated a boutique for 13 years. Often transforming lives Monika says “It’s amazing the impact it has when we wear the right colors and shapes for us. We literally light up from the inside. The body posture changes, the voice becomes stronger, the eyes get a glow. That’s what I look for in people.” Monika recently has relocated to Austin a place that is creatively more stimulating for her. She now does Markets and Festivals and is enjoying not having “store hours”.
Monika’s art teachers used to tease that God must have been asleep when he created her sense of color. Not having rules has served her wonderfully now. Monika can freely mix colors and shapes, with lots of joy. Her motto is : “Yes! You can have it all: personality, comfort and style.” All of her designs are machine wash and dry. There are tops, skirts, dresses, pants & soft jackets in a variety of materials and blends. Then there are the vibrant cotton prints and her signature hand painted line all of which are stunning, comfortable, and versatile which makes it easy to travel with.
Since moving to Austin, Marvin, Monika’s husband, has joined her in this venture. Together they wash and dry all the fabrics, cut and sew all of her designs. If you can’t find your size or you need a different neckline, a longer sleeve or other modification, they’ll make it for you.
Monika also creates a great feeling, great looking jewelry collection using beads from all corners of the world. She enjoys mixing colors and shapes in unusual ways while loving every moment. Women are drawn to it and collect the pieces to complement their clothes. Men even comment on how much they like this jewelry, they say, there is just something about it! There are pieces for everyday and others for special occasions, in styles ranging from simple to artsy, to bold to tribal. There are fabulous heirloom and collectors’ items and they are always willing to customize a piece just for you.
To experience Monika’s designs visit the Gruene Market Days May 17&18. You can contact Monika if you are interested in hosting a show at your home or office or if you would like to make an appointment to visit her Southwest Austin showroom at www.MonikaAstara.com
2008 Vendor Application Available Here
Gruene Market Days are held on the 3rd full weekend of each month
February - November from 10-5pm.
And the 1st weekend of December.
For More Information
about the Gruene Market Days
call 830 832-1721 or email
gmds2006@sbcglobal.net
Gruene Market Days Featured Vendor gets Top Award
For more information on Gruene please visit
www.GrueneTexas.com
For information on the construction of the Gruene Bridge and
the re-routing of traffic visit
http://gruenetexas.com/gruenebridge.html
Take IH35 Exit #191 Go West 1.5miles - Take a Left onto Hunter Road at Doug's BBQ.
"Thank you SO much!! We have taken every relative that has come to visit for the past 4 years to Market days. The extraordinary appeal is the size and "Unique" items found nowhere else. THANK YOU for the pleasant event & experience." - Bud (Customer of Gruene Market Days)