Showcase of local art and crafts will make Christmas shopping easy
By Contributor
Seasoned professional work in a variety of genres, from wood work, fibre art, glass, jewellery and pottery, as well as emerging artisans will be available for Christmas gifts at the upcoming annual craft showcase. See the handcrafted, traditional Santas and other Christmas decorations by Caron Leroy. Touch the smooth, flawless wooden bowls and vessels turned in the Doukhobor tradition on a handmade lathe by Alex Semenoff. Fondle the soft, fuzzy felted or knit hats, scarves, bags and socks by Joybilee Farm, all from their own wool, mohair and angora. 20 artists and artisans on two floors will take over the art gallery space for this two day event. You won’t want to miss the 4th Annual Boundary Artisan Christmas Faire on Dec. 3 and 4 at the Grand Forks & District Art & Heritage Centre. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, this event showcases the work of 20 professional artists and artisans in the Boundary Area. Elliot Teskey’s dramatic wild life photography will be featured in the Moment’s of Reflection booth. Formerly an oceans and fisheries conservation officer, Elliot has opportunities to capture the drama of wild life in their natural spaces. His love of creation comes through in his work. Two potters will be in attendance — Marita Fiebiger of Pottery Etc. will have her hand built and wheel formed work in several colours — dishes for entertaining, vessels, and bowls. Erika VonBank will have her unique wheel and hand built pieces, too. A highlight in Erica’s booth is the basket of smaller pieces — vases, candy dishes — many in unique colours and styles — for just a few dollars — perfect for stocking stuffers or adding to a hostess gift this holiday season. Tracy Jory of Glass Roots, will again feature both her distinctive stained glass pieces and her eclectic jewellery made from semi precious stones. If you saw Tracy’s work at the farmer’s market this summer you already know Tracy’s gift for colour and line and her ability to create beauty and harmony in glass through light, colour and reflection. All work offered for sale at this event is handcrafted in the Boundary from the unique designs of each Boundary artisan. Work is made to highlight the beauty and durability of quality materials. Each piece has a story behind it. So come and hear the stories and talk to the artisans and artists about their work. Find the pieces that speak to you and add their beauty to your life or purchase them for someone close to you. Music and food are traditionally part of this event and this year will feature seasonal refreshments by donation with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is building a multiunit home for several young men in the community and all donations will go to support this building project. The Sopranos and Co. youth choir, direct by Joan Thompson, will perform pieces from their concert repertoire, as well as some seasonal numbers at 2 .p.m on Friday. Other seasonal music will be offered throughout the two day event, by Grand Forks music teacher, Eleanor Martens, and music student, Sarah Dalziel (grade 12). Contact Chris Dalziel of the Boundary Artisan Association for more information at 1-866-965-9665 or see the website www.boundaryartisans.ca.
