Typewriter poet continues family tradition

The Omaha Farmers Market is back for its 33rd season, featuring fresh produce along with baked goods, starter plants, and handcrafts.Among the stalls of vegetables and pastries is Aria Thiessen, a typewriter poet continuing a family legacy.”My oldest sister started this; she actually started in the Old Market. She was the Old Market poet,” Thiessen said.That was 12 years ago. Since then, it was passed from her oldest sister to the next and finally to Thiessen, who just picked it up in February.”You can say poetry runs in my veins, in our veins,” Thiessen said.Give Thiessen any theme, and she will come up with a poem on the spot. All of the proceeds go to support her sister’s nonprofit and buy supplies for Thiessen’s classroom. It’s her first time working the farmers’ market in Aksarben, but it won’t be her last.”Meeting new people, seeing new things has always been my life motto, and so it’s really important to stay connected within the community,” Thiessen said.The market isn’t just for produce. It’s also an avenue for artists like Thiessen to share their craft. From poems to drawings to soaps, artisans set up shop to show their talent.”When you come and shop at the farmer’s market, no matter who you’re buying from, you’re supporting a local vendor and a local entrepreneur in business,” Maggie Winton, marketing and communications coordinator for the Omaha Farmers Market, said.Winton said even if you don’t buy, coming to the market anyway builds the community.”You just get to be here with folks who are enjoying the beautiful outdoors and local flair with you,” Winton said.Customers’ time and attention are supporting Omaha, the subject of the poem she wrote.Home Sweet Home by Aria ThiessenAs I take in the spring air with new beginnings,I cannot help but to comparethe love that is in my heart for the love of homeAnd Omaha is where.They say home is where the heart isand this is where mine will forever be.