Choose a gift from local artisans this Christmas
By Contributor
Next weekend Gallery 2 hosts the fifth annual Boundary Artisan Christmas Faire. This two day event features the original work of members of the Boundary Artisan Association. This isn’t the “same old, same old,” contrary to rumours that may be circulating. This year’s gathering of spectacular local talent promises to be the biggest and best show to date. With artists and artisans in every room of Gallery 2, live seasonal music, refreshments by Habitat for Humanity Boundary, and photo opportunities with Santa on Saturday morning, the faire it will be the highlight for Christmas traditions. Gallery visitors can speak to the artists and artisans about their work, learn about their motivation to create and find out what makes their work distinctive. Wood turner, Alex Semenoff, will describe his work created with local wood and inlaid with Doukhobor brick, Rock Candy crystals, or Phoenix mine ore to create a vessel with warmth, beauty, and historical significance. Copper Artist Tim Poste says his work is inspired by nature and created in the unique medium of copper with an organic feel, through his self-taught style. Artist Vivien Browne uses a multilayered technique with paint, hot wax and fibre to enhance the light effects of her work and she’ll be demonstrating her encaustic technique during the show. Leta Bak reveals the family heritage side of the Boundary in her singular style. There are three jewellery artists at this year’s show with amazing beauty and sparkle. Jill Gunnarson, who is inspired by aboriginal artists, has created awesome sterling silver ear cuffs that are worn without piercing, with gemstone glitz. Sonya Wood has her own inimitable style with semiprecious stones, feathers, and wire. Take a look at her feathered earrings, a hot fashion accessory. Tracey Jory displays both her jewellery and her stained glass decorative pieces that sparkle with colour and texture. Potters also grace the show with whimsical pieces, functional dishes and beautiful sculptural work to add warmth and colour to your home. Sandy-Jo Lewis is new this year, with her hand painted, whimsical dishes, bird houses, and vessels. Marita from Pottery Etc. brings her hand built and wheel thrown pottery, functional, and decorative work and cats. If you love cats, you’ll need to have a close look at Marita’s work. You’ll find Erika Vonbank in the Gallery meeting room with her fanciful, humorous pieces in earthy glazes. One of the favourite places in Erika’s booth is the special bin, where everything is $5 and under. This is a great place for kids to shop for wild flower vases, dishes, and tiny vessels for mom. Enter the Heritage Gallery and the wild rose scent will welcome you. Locally made goat’s milk soaps and natural hand balms are extravagantly displayed in the Joybilee Farm booth, next to their local wool and mohair socks, hats, and felted scarves and bags. This year beautiful felted accessories and home decor are the highlight of this family’s craft. Upstairs in the Richard Reid Gallery, Elliot Teskey’s landscapes and wildlife photography offer a panoramic view of nature seen through the eyes of a gifted photographer. Elliot’s years as a Fisheries’ officer inform his work. In this room you’ll also find offerings of cookies and almond roca made with organic sugar.
The show is open late for the Santa Claus parade, so view the show during the day and pop over in the evening to pick up that secret gift from the Boundary Artisan Christmas Faire on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at Gallery 2, in Grand Forks.
