Arts and crafts make great gifts
From small groups of artists and artisans banding together for the first time, to large, well-organized markets celebrating more than 40 years of operation, the holiday craft-fair season has started on Vancouver Island.
The countdown to find unique, handmade items for loved ones this Christmas begins this weekend. Here is a sampling of what is happening: • The Juan de Fuca 55-plus Activity Centre Craft Fair celebrates its 29th anniversary with more than 30 tables of items made by its members.
Traditional craft items include quilting, knitting, weaving, jewelry, home preserves, greeting cards, decorations, paper tole, woodworking, pottery and baked goods — all for just $1 or more. Cash or cheque only.
The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Juan de Fuca 55-plus Activity Centre, 1767 Island Highway. Details of the event are on Facebook. • Pick up unique and functional sculptural pottery at the Pacific Rim Potters Annual Fall Show and Sale.
The annual event showcases the works of its members, who have been exhibiting ceramic art pieces for 30 years. The show boasts that it is the longest-running exhibition of ceramics in Victoria.
The show is free to attend. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, 2964 Richmond Rd. For more information, go to gobc.ca/tours/pacific-rim-potters-annualfall-exhibition-and-sale_72. • The Cowichan Artisans are hosting their annual fall studio tour on Saturday and Sunday, with the opportunity to observe 12 professional artisans working and creating in their home studios. You can see clay, jewelry, glass, wood and furniture pieces, paintings and more.
The self-guided tour runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. For artist information and a downloadable tour map, go to cowichanartisans.com. • The much-anticipated St. Aidan’s United Church Fall Market Bazaar runs on Saturday. Shop at 21 stalls with jewelry, linen and lace, books, baking, preserves, sewing, knitting, toys, international treasures, plants, handbags, art, home décor, crafty things and vintage/retro and collectibles. The church thrift shop will also be open with white elephant, china, small appliances and a garage sale.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is at 3703 St. Aidan’s St. (Richmond Road at Cedar Hill Cross Road). The facility is wheelchair-accessible. Cash only. There is an ATM on site. • The Creative Arts Craft Fair celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with more than 125 professional exhibitors from all over B.C. over three days at Pearkes Recreation Centre.
The fair is one of Vancouver Island’s largest, with specialty food, stained glass, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, fine arts, First Nations art, photography, clothing, candles, handmade soaps and lotions, herbal products, art cards, home and garden décor, children’s items, sewing, knitting, metalwork, music, high-quality imports and more. There will be live demonstrations and more than 100 continuous draw prizes.
Admission is $6 per day or $6.50 for three days for adults, and free for children under 12. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Pearkes, 3100 Tillicum Rd.
For a list of other fairs, go to our community event calendar.