Frida Kahlo Inspires Women of Color-Centered Marketplace

Frida Friday, a women of color-centered market, will celebrate Frida Kahlo’s birthday and female artisans this Friday (July 14) at Kebabalicious from 6-10pm.

Through a community altar, cake, and live music, market organizer TK Tunchez and female vendors will pay homage to the iconic Mexican artist, born on July 6, 1907, that inspired the monthly market’s creation.

TK Tunchez (left), the market organizer and owner of Las Ofrendas, and a friend at June's Frida Friday (Photo by Maria Mendez)

“Frida Kahlo was a female artist who had a really hard time being recognized for the work that she was doing in a very male-dominated industry,” Tunchez said. “So we wanted to create a place in her honor that celebrated who she was, her spirit, by showcasing women of color artisans.”

Since March, Frida Friday brings women together every second Friday of the month to sell their handmade crafts at the East Austin restaurant Kebabalicious.

Tunchez, known by the name of her jewelry and gemstone shop Las Ofrendas, also organizes other local markets, such as the Midweek Market at the Sahara Lounge, but said this is the only women of color-centered market in Austin. Tunchez said her experience as a woman of color always influenced her creations, so she wanted to create a space to honor those experiences while helping artists build their businesses.

Every month Frida Friday features live music, a craft table for kids, and 15 or more artist booths filled with art, accessories, apparel, and small trinkets, including many Frida-related items. Tunchez, who curates all of the products and music at the market, said submissions are open to all self-identified women makers and musicians. Additionally, a benefit raffle at every Frida Friday supports a nonprofit organization such as the Lilith Fund and Mama Sana.

Patricia "Trish" Carrillo, owner of Piñatas by CHI, drives from Houston to sell at Frida Fridays every month.​ (Photo by Maria Mendez)

Tunchez said the market continues growing every month thanks to the energy of the vendors and Austin’s support for entrepreneurship. A few artists from other cities, like Jessika Guillen of Fort Worth, drove to Austin for June’s Frida Friday. Guillen said she feels that spaces for female artists and markets in Austin are “really blooming and everyone is working to make something happen.”

This Friday’s market will include performances by the mariachi group Yihua, the Chulita Vinyl Club, and DJ Mahealani, and will benefit Austin’s chapter of Justice for Our Neighbors, a church-based immigration clinic and ministry network. Tunchez invites attendees to bring “ofrendas” or small gifts to contribute to the community altar honoring Frida Kahlo.