The makers, crafters, and artists of Gravelbourg have come together to form the Gravelbourg Artisan Co-operative, and their Christmas market is just around the corner.
A Happy Handmade Christmas will feature a number of handmade products, created by talented makers from all around the Gravelbourg area. Members of the Artisan Co-operative will be present with some of their wares, and there will also be a table with more information about the co-op — and, of course, some swag.
All goods are handmade only, and there is such a variety that the Artisan Co-operative hopes the market will check off a few Christmas lists.
“We tried to get as many different things as possible,” said Anna Smandych, member of the co-op and the market manager. “It should be a fun shopping experience, lots of different things to choose from.”
The market will also feature a Christmas-themed photo booth and a children’s play area, as well as a presentation of wine and cheese beginning at 5 p.m.
Megan Nash, beloved singer and songwriter from the area, will even be performing at 7 p.m.
The Artisan Co-operative formed a few months ago, to highlight the many talented local makers in the area, and have since decided to offer the community a shopping experience by hosting their own markets.
“We thought we would go handmade-only [for the market], to really promote the people in our co-op as well as all of the makers and artists in the area,” said Smandych. “We really want to promote Gravelbourg and the people here, because the great makers and artists of Southern Saskatchewan, we have a small sampling of them but I think we have some of the best.”
For now, the group has a few more markets up their sleeve — if this one goes well — and are actively looking for a retail space to set up a more permanent presence.
A Happy Handmade Christmas will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 23, on the main floor of the Gravelbourg convent at 7 Athabasca Street, Gravelbourg. Admission to the event is $5 at the door.
