If you’ve long admired the quality arts and crafts on display at Two Rivers Gallery’s gift shop and wondered how you take some of that home with you, your wish will be granted Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
That’s when the gallery hosts its annual Artisan Faire - a show and sale of work by some regular artists featured at the gallery.
“These are the people who have exhibited in the gallery or who sell their work in the gallery gift shop,” says Natalie Brekkaas, Retail Manager of the Two Rivers Gallery Gift Shop. “They are often professional artists, and their products are of very high quality.
“They are makers and artisans, so you are getting an interesting glimpse into their lives and the types of things they bring their passions to,” she adds.
Around 20 vendors will be on hand during the event on the gallery’s lower floor.
“When people come in they will be able to actually get to meet and talk to the artists, something that doesn’t often happen in a gift shop setting. And that connects you to makers in a unique and interesting way,” Brekkaas says.
The sale will include pottery, wood-turned work, hand-made soaps, Indigenous art, jams and jellies, plus paintings, pencil drawings and upcycled textiles.
“For example, Deborah Coxson takes things such as sweaters and other lightly used clothing and makes mitts, gloves and hats out of them,” Brekkaas says. “I think what she does is fantastic given the focus on the environment that it brings.”
Those wanting to get a better idea of the calibre of items in the sale can pay a visit to the gallery beforehand and see them on display, and even get an inspiration or two for holiday gifting.
“It will be the perfect time for Christmas shopping,” Brekkaas says. “And since we don’t showcase the regular, holiday craft fair types of items, visitors to our event are sure to come away with something truly unique and perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person. There’s something really luxurious about having something handmade and unique. You know that the Artist or Artisan has put a tiny piece of themselves into your gift.”
You can also tick the “shop local” box since all of the artists in the show are from the region.
Plans are to have food vendors on site, as well as light refreshments and snacks for sale, such as hot apple cider and coffee.
Admission to the gallery on the day is by donation.
For more about the Artisan Faire, visit this website.
