by Ted Fogg
There’s no show like it anywhere in B.C. It’s an intimate part of Boundary culture. On Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30, 15 artisans converge at gallery 2 in the historic courthouse for the seventh annual Artisan Christmas Faire. Surrounded by stained glass, wood and the arts, these artisans will bring their best work from the last 12 months to give people a chance to browse their work and shop for holiday gift giving. People will discover beautiful, handmade artisan crafts while listening to the melodious songs from the harp, played skillfully by Jenn Fenn. Or have a seat in the café right in the gallery, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, Christmas baking, or even have lunch. This year’s café supports the 2014 high school grads, the city’s future leaders and artists. Bring a friend and enjoy a distinctive day of holiday magic at gallery 2.When you visit gallery 2 on that weekend, you’ll find the artists on both floors—this year’s show sold out by October and it’s full to capacity. The holiday joy and comfort is brimming over, ready for you to enjoy on the last weekend in November. On the first floor you’ll find the Pottery by Erika VonBank from College Road Pottery and the whimsical painted pottery of PotterBees’ Sandy-Jo Lewis. Jewelry and stained glass by Tracey Jory and Alex Semenoff’s distinctive wood turnings are back from previous shows. The youthful artworks of Emma and Caitlin Tkach, with their distinctive holiday cards, will give you joy just looking at the bold colours and designs. Upstairs in the East gallery you’ll be greeted with the sparkling gemstones and original jewelry designs by Sonya Wood. She often sells out of her handcrafted jewelry and ornaments, so come early for the best selection. New this year are Marlene Thomas and Bonnie Freeman. Marlene, of Mars Magic Touch, has her own pampering oils and spa treatments to grace your gift giving. Bonnie brings her handmade artisan soaps. In the Reid gallery upstairs, surrounded by paintings and stained glass and the melodic notes from the harp, this year’s artisans will blow your preconceptions. Artist Leta Bak is back with her scenes of the Phoenix ski hill and Boundary country living. Leta’s work is maturing and you’ll find some remarkable paintings to grace your home. Award winning baker Max Nicholson has his amazing cupcakes and some holiday baking. Max graduates this year and you’ll want to talk to him about his future plans. They are pretty thrilling. Jill Gunnarson is upstairs with her unique jewelry made with precious metals and semi-precious stones. New artisans include Terry of Paper Garden, Mel Black with dipping sauces and preserves and Nicole Hirtz.This year you just might leave the gallery with more artwork than you planned. An exciting new feature will have you coming back for more. When you make a purchase from one of the artisans or from the gallery gift shop, you’ll receive a draw ticket. Put one part of the ticket in the draw for the hour, and you enter for a chance to win the door prize–your pick of any of the artisan crafts offered for the draw. You’ll have a chance to win every hour, so be sure and stick around and enjoy the show and come back on Saturday. You could take home a special piece of Boundary culture, for free.