The Campbell River Art Gallery is once again hosting its annual Christmas-time Artisan Market.
It offers a range of options, and the event helps raise money for the gallery to help with its programming.
“This is one of the major fundraisers for the gallery,” says Alison Liebel, the gallery’s operations manager.
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One of the features this year is the work of some artists that produce their work using repurposed material, such as Amy Dugas and Andrew Frederick. Dugas makes wood furniture with lots of detail and inlay, and in one she has incorporated old belts.
For the last few years, Frederick has looked to old fabric goods to provide source material for new items she makes, such as handbags. Typically, she takes old tweed or felt material and makes them into bags and mittens.
“I always specifically look for the older, vintage tweed jackets,” she says.
Frederick has sewn since she was young and loves vintage things, so it seemed like a natural thing to do, though originally it was only with the intention of simply making some gifts for people. She started looking online for ideas of how to put the patchwork together, taking special inspiration from old quilt-makers who used old clothing for their quilts.
The gallery show also features artists and crafters who have taken part in the show before, such as ceramics-maker Sylvia McGourlick.
“She’s firing as we speak,” Liebel says.
Another artist taking part is long-term member Bob McLeod who produces spectacular glass works in a range of colours.
These are only some of the offerings on display, which can make for great gift items during the holiday season.
“There’s a variety of price points, there’s something for men, there’s something for women,” Liebel says.
In all, there are about 70 people with work available. Unlike other craft shows, where the artists and crafters have to be on hand to sell their wares on set days, this show offers the them a place to bring their work to sell without their having to be constantly present.
“It frees them up to have a life,” Liebel says.
This year’s Christmas craft show also features an underlying theme.
“Our theme this year has been black tuxedo,” Liebel says.
The theme covers the decor of the gallery for the event, so there is plenty of black and white adorning the walls and ceiling of the gallery.
Gallery staff and volunteers were busy in the days leading up to the opening reception to make sure the show was ready for the public.
“I’ve relied heavily on lots of volunteers,” says Liebel. “They’re amazing.”
The show opened with a reception for gallery members on Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though it will close early on Christmas Eve. The gallery is located at 1235 Shoppers Row. For more information, call 250-287-2261 or see http://crartgallery.ca/
