The starting gun goes off for Christmas shopping when the doors open next Friday to wondrous arts and crafts.
The city's largest, peer-approved artisan sale is one of the city's most circled dates on the seasonal calendar. With the cold sting now in the air it is time to welcome back Studio Fair.
For 38 years, this has been the Prince George arts community's very own showcase. It is operated by the Community Arts Council to raise money for the CAC's many programs and services for local artists, and it is the best of those artists who get to showcase their wares alongside regional, provincial and even national artisans who fill the Civic Centre.
"We have more than 90 artisans from all across the country and our local artisan celebrities," said CAC project co-ordinator Lisa Redpath. "Many of them are now old friends, and we're always sad to see them go, but right now we are excited that they are arriving soon to set up their booths and impress us with their amazing hand-made creations."
A few staff and a large contingent of volunteers makes Studio Fair happen. Redpath said one of the important side effects of the event was bringing individuals and groups into collaboration as they all helped organize the show and sale.
The Civic Centre's main hall is transformed into a retail district lined up, down and around with artists and crafters of every description who made the jury cut.
Outside in the foyer are even more artists, but these are in their own retail district for a reason. They are all local, and in many cases they are smaller-scale producers than the ones in the main shopping area, but by banding together under their respective guild umbrellas they can sell their wares and learn the culture of Studio Fair. Many of these collective artists - members of the many CAC guilds like the wood turners, fibre arts, potters, quilters, the members of the Artists' Workshop and Artists' Co-op collectives, etc. - have graduated to having their own booths inside.
Some of those all-local artisans with their own collections for sale in the main Studio Fair hall include Topaz Beads, 4 Paws Bakery, aboriginal silversmith jeweller Keith Kerrigan, master weaver Laura Fry, Indigo Pottery proprietor Karen Heathman, glass artist Wendy Young, popular potter Elizabeth Tobin, plus more from the nearby region.
"We have a first-time local booth: Heidi R Garden Birdhouses," said Redpath. "Heidi turns wooden birdhouses made of aspen or birch, and it is stunning work. I'm in awe of her, so this year she took the leap. We encouraged her to take the risk of setting up in the main show, but we just know she will do well.
"Keith tried it out last year for the first time, but he is now part of the whole artisan circuit," Redpath said. "He has done a number of other shows, and being newly retired and an artist, he has found his niche. We are so excited to have him back."
Studio Fair is also a place where performing artists can have a presence. Although live music is not done during the three-day feast for the creative senses, organizations like the Cold Snap Music Festival, Judy Russell's dancers, the Performing Arts Centre proponent group, and others will be on hand.
"Our Community Arts Council Artist-In-Residence Cliff Mann will be there, and a door prize we offer is the live painting he will be doing over the entire duration of the event," Redpath said. "I'm a huge fan of his, he is a remarkable painter, and we are so proud to be able to feature him at Studio Fair."
Studio Fair also provides the public an opportunity to experience the originality and quality of art in the marketplace. This distinction has given Studio Fair a reputation for quality and innovation both in the unique shopping environment and the eye-catching wares they have attracted to/from Prince George over the decades.
"It's the icing on the cake as far as the arts community's year and it's one of my favourite events I've ever had anything to do with," Redpath said. "It's the public's doorway to the arts in Northern British Columbia. Studio Fair has a reputation for providing unique, original, quality gifts, artwork and cuisine. Visitors come from all over the province for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience."
Studio Fair 2014 begins Oct. 31 and runs until Nov. 2. Tickets are $3 per day (free for 12 and under) which gives you full access to the showroom all that day.
