Many of those who came to Vienna to find produce at the Vienna Saturday Farmers Market on Sept. 25 discovered an extra treat  just down the road: one-of-a-kind items such as handmade jewelry, fabrics and original artwork at The Soundry's new monthly outdoor art and indie craft market.

The market, called Art Market 316, was started in September by Soundry owner Jennifer Crawford as a way to give local artists a chance to display and sell their art.

"We have the space and with the farmers market going on down the street, we thought this would be a nice opportunity to give some local artists some exposure, without taking up their whole day," Crawford said. "Some of these vendors may not have a chance to be seen or haven't done markets before."

But make no mistake about it—this is not your grandmother's country craft market.

"This is more of a modern, independent craft movement that we are looking to promote here," Crawford said. "We look for things that are unique, hip, useful and things audiences would like to see. We also want to make sure that it's not too much of the same type of thing."

Ned Drummond, an artist who owns Man Eating Flower, displayed a table of letter-pressed prints on leather and paper, and decorated flasks.

"Everybody is coming by, which is pretty sweet," Drummond said. "It's good to have people see your work. I sell a lot of my work online, so it's nice to have interaction with people, so you can talk with them and they can choose from your selection. It's a little less cold than internet sales."

Artist Isabel Wilder of Gypsy Tailor creates wallets, purses and clothing decorated with embroidery, using leather and vintage fabric.

"Business has been a little slow, but hopefully as word gets out, more people will come," Wilder said. "A market like this will give people the chance to see the great artists around the area and purchase some great hand-made stuff."

Heather Miller, a mixed media artist who had a table full of mixed media work from her TexelGirl Art & Design business, is a member of The Soundry and is excited about the future of the market.

"I think events like this help get art out to the general public in a way that's more accessible to people than a regular gallery space," she said. "People can walk right up, see it, touch it. … It's a wonderful thing."

Karen Mullarky from Crafty Chic Designs, sold necklaces, bottle caps and pendants featuring her original artwork.

"It's good for us to capitalize on the people coming out to the farmer's market because the public doesn't get that much of an opportunity to experience original art," she said. "This is great exposure for the artists and the public as well."

Crawford plans to make Art Market 316 a recurring event, held on the last Saturday of each month, with the vendors moving inside once the weather gets colder. She said interested artists are encouraged to contact The Soundry, as new vendors will be asked to take part each month.

"We understand that these things take a little while to grow.I have talked to other markets, and they usually start small but grow over time," Crawford said. "We have a long way to go until it gets to be where we want it to be, but we are hopeful that it will get there."

The next Art Market 316 will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on October 30 at the Soundry, 316 Dominion Rd NE.