By Hannah Curran, Editor
TRUSSVILLE — Amari Curb Market is a multi-functioning creative space that bridges the gap between the public and makers.
Ambre Amari and her husband own Amari Curb Market (109 Glenn Avenue in Trussville), but it was originally known as Huffman Curb Market. Amari’s husband’s family started it in 1959 after emigrating from Italy.
“I love hearing stories from lifelong Birmingham residents who remember that market and reminisce about what that space meant to them — as a place to gather, shop, and support local vendors,” Amari said. “I want to revive what the Amari family created then and recapture that sense of community and energy.”
Amari is a mother of four and a commercial, lifestyle, and fine art photographer. When she was 18, she woke up without any hearing at all.
“I remember thinking in that moment how fragile life is,” Amari said. This inspired me to change the direction of my life and pursue my passion for art and photography.”
In 2004 she spent a few months overseas in Europe, backpacking and carrying around my 35 mm Nikon camera and connecting with other creatives and travelers.
“I love meeting and collaborating with other creative professionals, and that has inspired me to open A Curb Market — a brick-and-mortar marketplace where people can come together to create, experience, learn, shop, and celebrate community,” Amari said.
Her time in Europe ignited her passion for old traditions and history.
Amari Curb Market is a multi-functioning creative space that bridges the gap between the public and makers. Amari will host monthly gatherings that spotlight local artists, makers, and vendors and also provide them with photography content for their own branding and marketing needs.
“I will be using social media to post these happenings, predominantly Instagram for now,” Amari said.
Amari said that most creatives, local brands, and makers currently start out selling themselves on Instagram or renting booth space at a local farmers market.
“Here in Birmingham, we have one of the largest farmer’s markets in the US, but for some, it’s just not the right fit,” Amari said. “Most of the public is going there for food first and blank second. This can create a somewhat uncomfortable experience for the individual showcasing themselves. I know I’ve been there.”
The Curb takes away that awkwardness and showcases makers, creative, and local brands by highlighting and introducing them to the public. Sometimes when somebody else sells your product for you, people are able to see it in a different way than when you try to sell it yourself.
Amari Curb Market is not a farmer’s market.
Amaris said to imagine a Chicago Street market mixed with an LA art gallery bumping music on a Saturday morning.
“I want to build a space, and a movement that celebrates and showcases the incredible talent Birmingham has to offer — a gallery space and studio that functions and feels like a community market,” Amari said. “Curating the up and coming along with the older and wiser presenting them to the movers and shakers of Birmingham.”
Her vision is to reimagine how we think of art and artistic spaces — breaking down the intimidation factor and making inspiration a part of our everyday lives.
“We will have hourly rentable space for creatives, including a conference room and a coffee wet bar common area,” Amari said. “We will also provide experiences that are unique to the Birmingham area that centers around the talented individuals, all while emphasizing sustainability and the importance of healthy green living.
Amari is currently getting ready for its next monthly makers market. Which be from Thursday, May 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, May 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 7, from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“Each market so far Has been wildly successful with makers and local brands reporting a doubling in the growth of sales,” Amari said. “These markets include interactive experiences for live paintings by professional artists, brand founder tutorials, and mini demos.”
Amari Curb Market will be offering access to its makers with monthly pop-ups at our location and through shopping on Instagram.
“We communicate exclusively with our audience currently through Instagram. Please follow Amari curb market for the latest details of what we are doing,” Amari said. “Be a part of the journey and let the makers of Birmingham inspire you the way they inspire me.”
Upcoming Markets
- Friday, May 6, through Saturday, May 7: Live Makers Saturday; and
- Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 5: Partnered Create Birmingham Live Makers Saturday.
To rent The Curb Yard:
- Hours: Sunday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ($50 hourly);
- Tables 3 Large Oak Tables $25 flat fee, Chairs 20 White Chairs $50 flat fee, Curb Carriage $150; and
- Discount for Makers Interested in workshops and classes.
To rent The Curb Market:
- Set up and take down ($100 hourly)l
- Hours: Sunday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.;
- Includes three oak tables and 20 white chairs, Large Reclaimed Table;
- Food Trucks, Dance Parties, Yoga, Meditations, Pop-ups, Movie Night, Birthday Parties, Dinners, Bridals Showers, Kid Activities, Art Classes, Artist Workshops; and
- Discount for Makers Interested in workshops and classes.