The Art Market Art & Craft Sale
On November 17th clever Calgarians are heading to The Art Market Art & Craft Sale—one of Canada’s largest and most impressive artisan marketplaces—to experience hassle-free shopping and to find unique gifts for all the people in their lives. This holiday season they are planning to enjoy, “the most wonderful time of the year” by starting with a fun and festive shopping day. They know that Art Market will provide them with unique quality thoughtful gifts for everyone on their list and help them avoid the stress of going over budget.
It’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” For those who wait until the last minute to do their gift shopping, or those who suddenly find themselves with smaller spending accounts than usual, the winter holidays can easily become the most stressful time instead. Beat the stress and the crowds, come to Art Market.
We caught up with Art Market’s Nichole Windblad to get the scoop on why this year’s market is the ideal place to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts.
Art Market’s 30th anniversary—that’s amazing! Tell me about some of the elements that will make this year’s event an extra special celebration?
With the “handcrafted and “maker movement” coming on strong throughout Canada, we hope along with our specially planned events this will encourage Calgary to come out once again and experience the ultimate one-of-a-kind Art Market show. Our doors will be open on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m., but for those that can’t make it during the day we are launching a two-for-one-entry fee on Thursday and Friday between 4-9 p.m. We will be offering a cash bar and live jazz music! So not only will people save on entry, but they’ll also be able to relax after work with a glass of wine or nice cold beer and shop the evening away! Better still there are great parking deals in downtown Calgary after 4:00pm at many locations. On Saturday, Nov. 19, shoppers can enter a draw to win a $30 gift certificate to spend at any booth on the show floor. A new winner will be drawn every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20th at 3 p.m. we announce the six lucky showcase winners! All showcases are on display and are valued at more than $1,200. Each one is a lovely combination of our artists’ work. The showcases are great for the gift-giving season to give away or to keep all to yourself!
Forty+ new artists will be in attendance this year. What are a few of your “don’t miss” exhibitions?
One of the most exciting things we’re doing to mark the anniversary is bringing in a fresh new lineup of artists. These folks make everything from live greenery displays for your holiday door to children’s toys, musical instruments and terrariums. Some of our seasoned artisans who continue to dazzle our interest year after year have honed their skills to add new flavors and flare to their traditional work, which makes purchasing new pieces for your collection exciting.
Whose work is on your personal holiday wish list?
It is so hard to decide. I am always so impressed with what all the artisans bring to their work. In the words of Diane Sullivan from Arabesque Pottery: “Pottery is my passion, its Canadian handmade, made in a Canadian climate and I am making it for Canadians!” I love that. Cory Judge from Shi Studio’s was commissioned to make Kate & Prince William their official Canadian parting gift for their 2016 Canadian visit. I am looking forward to seeing her new “Royal” collection of jewelry, belts and other leather pieces. Kyle Cooper from Blink Chocolate brought home 11 awards from this year’s International Chocolate Salon Awards—the Blink Azteca bark won the gold for best mixed chocolate bar—so of course I need to sample that chocolate! If none of the decadence actually makes it into the stockings I will just buy more next year!
With the challenging economic climate in Calgary, people will be carefully considering every purchase. Why is Art Market the best place to get gifts for under the tree?
Art Market offers value for every penny. You can spend weeks shopping at local big-box stores, or you can buy a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else has. There is a huge difference between “stuff” and art. Art evokes a feel that connects you to that piece forever. At Art Market, you get a background or history from the artists themselves and that makes you want to go back for more. Art is a love affair, a process, a statement that you can call your own or be proud to share with others. These items aren’t just gifts under the Christmas tree, but a special something the recipient will treasure for years to come.