Holiday enthusiasm will be contagious this year when the Bragg Creek Artisans present their unique hand-made creations at their annual Christmas sale.
The 38th annual Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale will be held at the Bragg Creek Community Centre Nov. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bragg Creek Artisans president Jeri Kerluke said the group’s local artisans take great pride in the unique event because everything they sell must be hand-made.
“Our sale’s biggest draw is that everything our artists make and sell is one-of-a kind,” said Kerluke.
Over the weekend, over 65 local and surrounding area artists will sell their original fine art and unique handicrafts, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, fiber arts and country crafts.
Kerluke said this year there would be exciting new items for sale, including scroll saw pictures, oil rail spike art, old reclaimed wood furniture, birch lamp stands, rock carvings and metal art made out of old farm implements.
“It is going to be an awesome sale with great new products that people haven’t seen before,” said Kerluke, “As always, we will also have gorgeous silver and glass bead jewelry, pottery and felted items for sale.”
The organization’s members are as unique as their art.
“One of our local artisans raises her own sheep, shears them, and then spins their wool to create beautiful sheep wool sweaters, scarves and coats.”
Participating vendors come from the Greater Bragg Creek area and the surrounding communities of Cochrane, Springbank, Black Diamond, Priddis and Okotoks.
Along with artwork, people can also purchase homemade jams, jellies and other edible goodies, and eat a home-style lunch from the event’s country kitchen café.
Kerluke said her membership has been re-energized because Rocky View County (RVC) has given the organization financial grants for the last six years.
This year, the artisans received a $2,500 RVC Community Benefit Initiatives Grant, which they used to host art workshops for members and local residents.
“We can now provide educational courses to the community due to these county grants,” said Kerluke. “These funds have helped support the Bragg Creek Artisans and have also resulted in new members joining our organization.”
“Our members are more inspired and it shows in their innovative artwork, because they have learned new art mediums.”
Admission to the event is free, with parking available at the Bragg Creek Community Centre.
For more information about the Bragg Creek Artisans visit braggcreekartisans.com or email at [email protected].
