Farmers market vendor: Strawberri Lemonade

Each Saturday, sisters Emily and Marka Manthei are on hand to share their artistic talents with the public through their booth at the Waxahachie Farmers Market. Emily does caricatures while Marka does face painting under the banner of Strawberri Lemonade.

They’ve been a part of the market for two years now, each plying their respective artistry year-round on Saturdays at the market’s 701 Howard Road location. Since joining, they’ve also expanded their offerings to include paintings for sale.

After attending art school, Emily first landed a job at an aquarium where part of her job included party work and doing caricatures, an art form she’s since taken on as a solo artist. Marka also has experience in working with children, and it’s been a natural fit for her to pick up face painting.

“I love it,” Marka said, noting some of the favorite subjects for her young clientele include butterflies, unicorns, and tigers. Superheroes such as Spiderman and Batman are also a popular choice.

“I take requests. Whatever kids think of, yeah, we can do that,” she said, saying that she uses an oil-based face paint that can be removed with baby wipes. “It lasts a while.”

In talking about her caricatures, Emily said she looks first to the facial shape and features. Working quickly is also part of her technique, and she can often complete her work within three minutes. Although most of her work is with children, she also does adults, including one of a couple who wanted a Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein caricature of themselves. Another double caricature involved a pirate and mermaid theme that had a ship in the background.

It’s interesting to take [a concept] and do it well, she shared with In The Know Ellis.

Previously at a different market, Emily said she and Marka have been pleased with how their business has grown at the Waxahachie Farmers Market.

“This has been a very good move,” Emily said. “We’re here every Saturday. We like meeting new people and talking to them. Anytime someone would like to stop by, we’d love to have them.”

For more information, visit the Instagram page, mantheiarts, or email emilymantheiemail@gmail.com or mmmanthei18@gmail.com.

Written by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis.