Come to Gallery 2 in Grand Forks for the fifth annual Boundary Artisan Christmas Faire, Friday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 8p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This two-day event features the original work of members of the Boundary Artisan Association.
With artists and artisans in every room of Gallery 2, live seasonal music, refreshments from Habitat for Humanity and photo opportunities with Santa Claus on Saturday morning, it will be the highlight of your Christmas traditions.
Wood turner Alex Semenoff will tell you his work is created with local wood and inlaid with Doukhobor brick, Rock Candy crystals, or Phoenix mine ore to create a vessel with warmth, beauty, and historical significance.
Copper artist Tim Poste will tell you his work is inspired by nature and created in the unique medium of copper with an organic feel, through his self-taught style.
Artist Vivien Browne uses a multilayered technique with paint, hot wax and fibre to enhance the light effects of her work and she’ll be demonstrating her encaustic technique during the show.
Leta Bak reveals the family heritage side of the Boundary in her singular style. “The idea is to promote what we are already accomplishing; people helping each other out, families having fun, local food production.”
There are three jewellery artists at this year’s show with amazing beauty and sparkle. Jill Gunnarson, who is inspired by aboriginal artists, has created awesome sterling silver ear cuffs, worn without piercing, with gemstone glitz. Sonya Wood has her own inimitable style with semi-precious stones, feathers and wire. Tracey Jory displays both her jewellery and her stained glass decorative pieces that sparkle with colour and texture. Three potters grace the show with whimsical pieces, functional dishes and beautiful sculptural work to add warmth and colour to your home.
Sandy-Jo Lewis is new this year, with her hand-painted dishes, birdhouses and vessels. Marita Fiebiger from Pottery Etc. brings her hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery, functional and decorative work and cats.
You’ll find Erika VonBank in the gallery meeting room with her fanciful, humorous pieces in earthy glazes.
Enter the heritage gallery and see locally-made goat’s milk soaps and natural hand balms are displayed in the Joybilee Farm booth, next to its local wool and mohair hats and bags.
Upstairs in the Richard Reid Gallery, Elliot Teskey’s landscapes and wildlife photography offer a panoramic view of nature seen through the eyes of a gifted photographer.
The show is open late for the Santa Parade, so view the show during the day and pop over in the evening to pick up that secret gift from the Boundary Artisan Christmas Faire.
-submitted by Chris Dalziel