49th Studio Fair all set to go Nov. 1 to 3 at CN Centre

The 49^th annual Studio Fair showcasing more than 300 of Canada’s best artisans takes place Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov. 3 at CN Centre.

There are so many opportunities to explore one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items, delectable gourmet food, luxurious soaps and candles, unique and fashionable clothing and accessories, handcrafted home décor, a whole host of finely crafted pottery items and wood craft, heirloom quality books and toys.

“We’re very excited this is our 49^th Studio Fair,” said Lisa Redpath, program manager at the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District.

“We’re extremely grateful that we can still deliver this amazing show and welcome all of these phenomenal creators into our community. We’re ready to celebrate our 50^th next year and best success is when people come and enjoy and they see something they want for themselves or as a gift and they run into an old friend they haven’t seen in a while – art isn’t just a tangible thing. It has a sense of community behind it. And when you find that handmade art piece, you’ve found a treasure. And with everything going on in the world at least we can hold on to something creative and filled with beauty. There’s a sparkle to this show.”

It isn’t just about the Christmas season, Redpath added.

“It’s the energy and the vibrance of our community,” she added. “Every vendor that comes to this event from out of town always declares it as their favourite because of the people of Prince George and we here at Studio 2880, at the Community Arts Council, get to deliver that every year and I am so grateful this is my 15^th Studio Fair and I look forward to driving that train right to the 50^th and celebrate in a big way.”

There are many local artisans and community groups that will be part of the event as well thanks to the support of the Community Arts Council.

“This is perfect for their individual fundraising, for their ticket sales promotion for upcoming events and we’re always so happy to do this for them,” Redpath said. “Our priority is to make sure the guilds and organizations are healthy around us because that benefits everyone.”

Local groups and guilds who will be in attendance include Girl Guides, PG Judo Club, Legion 43 with their poppy campaign, Share Hope, Method Dance, Miracle Theatre, Quilters Guild, Federation of Canadian Artists, Artists Co-Op, Prince George Potters, Prince George Woodturners, Prince George Hospice, Coldsnap Music Festival, Theatre NorthWest, Prince George Symphony, Enchainement Dance Centre and the BCNE. The local guilds and groups will be located at the entrance of Studio Fair.

“We couldn’t do this without them,” Redpath said. “They bring the community and it’s just a beautiful way to enter our event.”

This is the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District’s major fundraising event and the entry fee to the fair goes directly to the non-profit organization to support local artisans and organizations. The local arts council is the umbrella organization for 245 members, including professional and emerging artists, performers, ensembles, artisan guilds and cultural organizations, all living and working in an area covering more than 51,000 square kilometres.

The heart of the arts council has been at Studio 2880 since 1976. These facilities have become a destination for people who wish to purchase locally created artworks, and access and benefit from the unique educational programs and services offered there.

Entry into Studio Fair at CN Centre is a flat fee of $10 that gets patrons through the door all weekend long. The Community Arts Council is collecting non-perishable food items for donation to local food banks.