The long awaited kick off to Christmas shopping in Prince George is finally at the Civic Centre and continues until Sunday .
The 37th annual Studio Fair, a juried artisan showcase, offers more than 90 vendors from all over the nation as well as local representatives, including foodie-approved favourites, jewelry, paintings, clothing, and metal work all available for the browsing.
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was on hand with Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Minister Responsible for Labour, to check out the small business owners at the fair. Yamamoto pointed out that 98 per cent of businesses in B.C. are small businesses, employing 50 people or less and of that 82 per cent employ five or less. She said her job is to make sure small businesses thrive, which in turn means a healthy B.C. economy.
Attainable Art, Pottery with Personality from Kamloops is one of the more than 90 vendors at Studio Fair. This is their first time in Prince George.
"Everyone is so nice and the organizers have treated us brilliantly," said Kelly Kelland, of Attainable Art.
"We heard from other artists that this was the fair to attend," said Yvonne Bauer, Kelland's partner in the business.
Attainable Art signature pieces are fish and turtles that are pottery with a Raku finish. Lately the most popular items are the turtles and the artists have made sure there is a variety of price points, hence the title, Attainable Art.
Also new to the fair is Signature Creations from Fraser Lake.
Marilynn Reyden is an accountant by day and a glass and jewelry artisan by night.
"My passion is glass work," said Reyden, who discovered her love for glass in 2006 and took an intensive work shop at Red Deer College. Reyden's pieces are filled with colour and character and her passion shines through her work.
Studio Fair continues through Sunday. Hours are today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and under 12 are free.
