You can try not to look out of the windows. You can bury your head under the pillow if you want to too. Try as you might, there will inevitably come a time when you will have to accept that it’s winter in Alberta. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that this also means it’s Country Craft Fair time once again. This weekend, St. Albert Place is going to be the place to stock up on stocking stuffers or simply load up the larder, pick up some pick-me-ups and deck the halls with some of the best and most unique locally-made bath, Christmas, dĂ©cor, fibre, floral, food, glass, jewelry, paintings, photographs, pottery, quilting and wood crafts north of Messier Trail.
Simply put, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, fair co-ordinator Donna Hillier explained.
“The Country Craft Fair is a highlight of the year where everyone comes together to showcase their work, from fresh Christmas swags to functional and decorative pottery and quilts!”
If you’re looking to get a little seasonal and/or holiday gift shopping done early then this is what you’re looking for. The Fair is also a mainstay on the social and economic calendar for how it brings the crowds out to support some of this area’s most innovative and even funky vendors.
Supporting local artists and craftspeople is so important for both the consumer and the artist, Hillier continued.
“Buying local gives the consumer the chance for unique one-of-a-kind artworks, whether they be wearable, visual or even edible! A chance to meet the makers and get a bit of provenance along with an awesome product. It gives the artist a chance to show their wares and talk about the process, whether it be upcycling a sweater into mittens or turning a hunk of wood into a useable piece of art.”
Besides, she continued, buying local is also another great way of building community in a growing city that still shows its village roots on its sleeve. It also adds the kind of meaning to your purchases that you just can’t get from big box retailers.
“Meeting arts and crafts makers makes your purchase more rewarding and special. Giving that one-of-a-kind gift gives special meaning to the season.”
There will be more than 75 craftspeople showcasing their works with a variety that goes from gourmet gluten free and vegan treats to wearable art (of all stripes and fibres) to stained glass and turned wood objets d’art to some dramatically different perogies.
“There are many more surprises to see when you come. There’s an amazing array of talent that we have here.”
This is the annual fundraiser for the St. Albert Place Visual Arts Council, also known as SAPVAC. It’s the organization that has represented many of the city’s artists and craftspeople through the St. Albert Potters' Guild, the St. Albert Painters' Guild, the Quilters' Guild, the Paper Arts Guild, and the Floral Arts Society.
The 30th annual Country Craft Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. Admission and parking are always free.
St. Albert Place is located at 5 St. Anne Street. To learn more about the fair or the council, please email [email protected] or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sapvac.
