The Market at Circa 1857 is bringing one-of-a-kind vintage and original pieces to the people of Baton Rouge.
Circa 1857 is an artistic community boasting several unique businesses — The Market being one of them. The business is located on 1857 Government Street, directly in the heart of Baton Rouge, and the spirit of the city is apparent as soon as you step inside.
At The Market, art is the main focus. Showcases of local artists like Jade Brady and Gerry Wacker line the walls while vintage furniture and decorations sit below. It’s no surprise that the owner, Garrett Kemp, is an artist himself.
Kemp began working at The Market in 2013 as he began his college career. As a studio arts major, he found Circa 1857 was a place to get hands on experience in the field.
“I wanted to be involved in the arts,” Kemp said. “This was just the place to do it.”
Along with the featured artists, he said he began to develop an interest in the antique and vintage pieces the store carries. In 2016, an opportunity arose. The previous owner decided to sell the business, and Kemp, encouraged by his family, took the leap and bought the property.
Since then, he has been curating an expansive collection of vintage pieces. Instead of limiting his choices to a certain era or style, he instead focuses on structure and lines, architectural accents and how an item can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The store carries pieces from as far back as the 1800s, all still in top-notch condition.
The antique market is still mostly dominated by an older demographic, but Kemp stressed the opportunity that vintage shopping presents to the younger crowd.
“[You can] not break the bank,” he said. “But you can still get a good quality piece that’s interesting and different than what you’re going to get at Ikea.”
Thanks to the younger generation’s growing focus on sustainability and quality, vintage shopping has experienced quite the boom. With the guidance of a young owner and staff, The Market is doing what it can to cater to this new audience and encourage both an appreciation for antiques and art.
Kemp is dedicated to keeping the antique store fun and fresh, despite the age of their products. In the next few months, the store will host several events guaranteed to prove that The Market is more than just a store.
“I do just want a younger demographic to come in,” Kemp said. “It’s not just a sleepy, mom-and-pop antique shop.”
On Valentine’s Day, Country Roads Magazine will be hosting a sit-down dinner at The Market with the theme, “Mid City is for Lovers.” Guests will enjoy a four-course meal, courtesy of Marcello’s of Baton Rouge, while taking in the surrounding artwork and antiques of Circa 1857.
Slightly further down the line, The Market will host its third annual Champarty. For a $5 cover fee, guests will be able to sip on unlimited champagne and enjoy local music, food and artisans while browsing the store’s collections. This event will take place Mar 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Beyond events, The Market also recently added a section of the store dedicated to art supplies to encourage more local artists to visit and become involved.
“We’re hoping to reach more and more artists and host individual art events and exhibitions for them.” Kemp added.
Overall, The Market is a celebration of art, past and present, and what makes Baton Rouge special.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Christa Moran

Circa 1857 offers antique and original pieces on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, on Government St.