Several weeks ago six local artisans got together and created an event called Make It Revelstoke. This is a holiday sale to be held at Birch and Lace this Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.
The idea of this show and sale is to introduce Revelstoke to a group of local artisans who have been busily selling their products across Canada and beyond. This holiday season Make It Revelstoke artisans have been doing Christmas shows from Halifax to Victoria. Revelstoke is now getting a chance to meet and buy gifts from this dynamic and inspiring collective.
The work that will be for sale at Make It Revelstoke is as diverse as the backgrounds of the collective itself. Jeweller Kat Cadegan of Kat Cadegan Studios learned her craft through schooling in India, Mexico and Nelson, B.C. Cadegan’s work is a combination of bronze, silver and gold; organic shapes, rich textures and skilled craftsmanship. The vision behind her jewellery is to create heirloom wearable art that reflects nature.
On the other end of this spectrum is self-taught photographer Zoya Lynch, who is reaching acclaim far and wide. Lynch’s photos are a hands-on reflection of her love and skill of being in the mountains. She is this year’s winner of 2014 Deep Winter Photo Challenge, an invitation only, highly acclaimed mountain photography contest held annually in Whistler, B.C.
Leaving the boundaries of traditional, Make It Revelstoke artisans have been finding new and different ways to sell their goods. I (Kaitlan Murphy), a local potter and carpenter, built an 18X8 foot tiny house that I set up in Sicamous for the summer of 2014. Out of this little boutique I sold my pottery and other locally handcrafted items.
Melanie Parent of Aparent Clothing launched her business with the help of online crowd funding on Kickstarter. The funds raised have rocketed Parent’s dream into a line of clothing and accessories. Her fresh ideas in design, quality materials and immaculate craftsmanship have elevated her products in the fashion industry.
Back on the home front, Arleigh Garratt’s work can be found in her downtown boutique Garnish. Garratt and her husband moved to Revelstoke from Vancouver in 2009 after she finished a two year program in jewelry craft and design. Living in the mountains not only inspires her jewelry, but is a constant playground for her and her family.
If you frequent the Revelstoke Farmer’s market you have seen Trish Hartwick selling her clothing line Love Making Designs. Hartwick has had a busy season selling her clothing in shows across western Canada. She and her partner draw out illustrations and print them onto clothing such as t-shirts, dresses and hoodies. Their work is inspired by the mountains around us.
Doors will be open at Birch and Lace at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Come by, have a glass of mulled cider and check out these ladies and the work they have been making.
