Punk-enthusiasts and creatives gathered for the Southern Punk Archive’s Punker Decker flea market at the Powerhouse on Sunday, April 12. The punk flea markets began in 2022 to showcase local artists, vendors and musicians. It has since grown to include film screenings and drag performances.
John Rash, founder of the Southern Punk Archive, gave insight on the name Punker Decker in relation to the annual Double Decker Arts Festival.
“The spring market always happens in April and is labeled as ‘Punker Decker,’ which is a direct response to the large Oxford Double Decker Festival but appeals to more underground culture and more diverse demographics,” Rash said. “In general, the punk flea markets don’t have a specific theme but are aimed at creating an affordable space for DIY artists and vendors to share their goods and a highlight for regional musicians who play genres of music not embraced by our local live music venues.”
Vendors sold a variety of goods, including jewelry, art, prints and clothing.
“I run a small business selling my art prints and keychains, and I thought Punker Decker would be a great opportunity to introduce selling my stuff in a market,” Linen Golding, a junior creative writing major from Kiln, Miss., said. “I definitely think it’s a way for people who are very artsy and alternative to get together and share their work and experiences.”
Pixel Press: UM Print and Photo Club had a booth selling art prints, zines, buttons and stickers made by students. Danielle Jennings, a junior graphic design major from Olive Branch, Miss., who is a member of the club, spoke of the community engagement Punker Decker fostered.
“This is a smaller scale kind of event, but the community is just as lively,” Jennings said. “We hope that events like this will continue to grow, and it will get even bigger than just being here at the Powerhouse. The community hasn’t let us down.”
Music was played by Charcoal, a Hattiesburg, Miss., punk rock band, and Portia, a hardcore punk band originally from New Orleans. The films screened were curated by Instructional Assistant Professor of Film Production Chriss Alison Huff and Assistant Professor of Digital Media Bryce Heesacker.
Drag performers Vivica Vanity and Eliza Meow closed out the show. Eliza Herbert, a senior art major from Biloxi, Miss., was a vendor at the event alongside performing as Eliza Meow. She sold handmade ceramic pottery and spoke of the connection between her art and performance.
“There’s some intersectionality in my art and being a performer,” Herbert said. “It’s nice because the performance is showing who I am, and my art is telling more of the story behind it all.”
Natalie Elizalde, a junior biological science major from Houston, attended this year’s Punker Decker and spoke of what brought her to the event.
“My friend is selling art, so I wanted to come and support her,” Elizalde said. “I love going to little events in Oxford. They’re very fun.”
Rash reflected on the flea market’s growth and success of this year’s Punker Decker.
“The market held on Sunday was the most successful market to date,” Rash said. “This year, I invited others to participate as part of a planning committee and the collective effort truly helped the market grow and to run smoothly. All of the vendors said they had a successful day. In addition, the films and performances were well attended and received positive feedback. I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
