Forty-six young artists from across The Woodlands and Montgomery County gathered at Woodforest National Bank on August 8 for a day of hands-on workshops designed to prepare them for the third annual Young Makers Market, taking place Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Market Street in The Woodlands, with a rain date of September 12.

Noemi Gonzalez teaches a workshop during the 2026 Young Makers Market. A diverse group of 6-8 students (approx. 8-10 years old) listens intently. The workshop is set in a fancy conference room with dark wood walls and plush chairs. Some of the children's parents observe from the doorway.

The 2026 Young Makers Market Workshop

A diverse group of about 45 students (girls and boys, ages 9-18) pose for a group photo inside the front entrance of an office building. Everyone is dressed casually and wearing a sticker name tag for the Young Makers Market workshop.

Participants of the 2026 Young Makers Market

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Presented by The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), the Young Makers Market gives students ages nine to 18 the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a working artist by creating, displaying, and selling their original artwork in a one-day outdoor market. Designed to help students prepare for the event, the workshop focused on skills that extend beyond creating art. Through interactive presentations led by local professionals, participants gained practical skills in entrepreneurship, customer engagement, and communicating the story behind their artwork.

"Creating great art is only part of the journey," said Noemi Gonzalez, Young Makers Market Chair, Market Street General Manager, and TWAC Board Director. "This workshop gives students the confidence and entrepreneurial skills to share their work with others, connect with customers, and experience what it's like to be a working artist."

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

The day also featured a keynote presentation by artist and architect Michelle Giuseppetti Old, whose public art can be found throughout The Woodlands. As part of the artist group O.M.G., she has helped create several public art pieces in the community, including the You Are LOVED art bench, completed in 2022 and located along The Woodlands Waterway.

“I'm excited to participate in my second year at the Young Makers Market, meet new people, and find others who enjoy my art as much as I do,” said Amber, a returning Young Makers Market participant and high school senior. “I hope to make a deeper connection with the people who buy my art, get to know them a little better, and learn why they connect with my work.”

A flyer for TWAC's 2026 Young Makers Market held August 29, 2026. The flyer bears the name of the event, the year (inside a logo of 4 balloons), and "Produced by The Woodlands Arts Council."

Flyer for the 2026 Young Makers Market | Photos and images courtesy of TWAC

REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITIES

Now in its third year, the Young Makers Market provides young artists with a real-world opportunity to gain entrepreneurial experience, share their work with the public, and connect with the community! The public is invited to attend the free event on Saturday, August 29 at Market Street in The Woodlands. Visitors can explore and shop for original artwork while supporting the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs. This event is free to attend and open to the public. Please visit TWAC's website to explore artwork by this year's young artists.

ABOUT MARKET STREET

Market Street - The Woodlands is a 560,000-square-foot outdoor lifestyle development located in The Woodlands, Texas, roughly 25 miles north of Houston, directly across from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. This grocery-anchored property includes 375,000 square feet of street-level retail space, 115,000 square feet of Class A office space, and a 70-room, 70,000-square-foot Hyatt Centric hotel. Additionally, it features 21 restaurants and eateries. The project is managed by Trademark Property Company, which provides development, leasing, and property management services. Ownership of Market Street is a collaboration between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors.