I loved it when I was in Saskatoon and Halifax, because the sheer accessibility of crafts, art and culture is mind-boggling.
Here is something that might surprise people: we have that here in Humboldt and area, too.
During the summer there was always something beautiful to be found at local craft and farmers markets.
Culture Days through the Humboldt and District Museum on Sept. 29-30 was an amazing display of musicians, artists and cultural diversity.
Right now the Humboldt and District Gallery Member Show and Sale is on, and the gallery is filled with beautiful pieces of glasswork, paintings, sculptures and more. All of it is for sale, with most of the profit going directly to the artists.
In another month, two events will be kicked off that always gets me excited: the Festival of Wreaths will be up at the gallery and the Fall Expo will be set up for the Nov. 4-5 weekend.
Again, we will have another amazing display of local artistry, baking, home-based businesses and craft work.
I love how people in the area are so willing to put themselves out there and say, this is what I can do, this is what I have got.
Some of them are really unique as well.
Last year’s Festival of Wreaths, which shows not only do wreaths but all sorts of craft work, always has unique items.
Sewing projects take hours to do, and there is never a shortage of items that took a lot of hard work.
I love these events because people are willing to put themselves and their work out there.
That is the first step in creating these local markets and making them successful.
Artists, crafters, and home-based business people just have to see the value in what they are willing to offer and say, yes, I want to show everyone to see what I can do.
We as consumers can do so much to support these ventures and these events.
The Christmas season is fast approaching, a time for great money spending.
Where are we going to spend our dollars?
What can we support in our own backyard?
This is a great time of year to support local business, right down to the creator and crafter. These events with local crafters are the perfect place for Christmas shopping.
