Halloween has come and gone and we begin to shift our focus to the fast-approaching holiday season. November not only brings us many rainy days, but also the annual Handmade Parade, which showcased the crafts of local artists from the Columbia, Kootenay and Okanagan areas.
Just in time for contemplating our Christmas gifting decisions, the event offered a healthy dose of inspiration, unique gift ideas, as well as a venue for full and part-time artisans to gain exposure. Of the many artisans that call Revelstoke home, this year’s parade featured a few new entrepreneurial endeavours, jewellers, potters, visual artists, and more.
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In passing, the works of Alisha Reilly-Roe might look like photographs, but upon closer inspection one realizes they are, in fact, paintings. Her high-realism landscapes draw you in through her ability to capture atmosphere and subtle nuances of light and shadow, creating the texture and depth that makes your gaze linger just a little longer.
Her adventures have allowed her to witness countless scenes of beauty, captured through photograph and relived with every brush stroke. Through her oil paintings she recreates the magic, transporting you to a place of quiet reverence.
Originally from Ottawa, and a graduate of fine arts from Concordia University, Reilly-Roe has been painting full time for 10 years and has begun hosting a week-long summer art camp for children. Her work is available online at www.alishareilly-roe.ca.
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Handon Leather is a new entrepreneurial endeavor for Hannah Kinsey and Donnie Frederickson. Their line of hand-cut, dyed and stitched leather goods are classic and versatile pieces crafted to last.
Beginning with a selection of wallets, purses and handbags, the couple hopes to eventually expand into luggage and create full-time work out of their designs.
Since childhood, leatherwork has been a hobby of Frederickson’s. This, coupled with Kinsey’s passion for fashion and vintage, led to a collaborative effort in designing and creating that only seems natural.
The pair has been in Revelstoke for seven and three years, respectively, and they launched their creative venture in the last year. Currently, their products are available online in their Etsy shop, Handon Leather.
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Another inspiring entrepreneur is Dawn Friesen and her line of rustic wood plaques, including both decorative and functional pieces with a touch of vintage flair.
Her love of wood and passion for creating becomes immediately evident in conversation. She relates the natural beauty of wood knots to that of snowflakes, and the unique character created by nature’s design. Inspired by her feelings and experiences, her decorative pieces impart messages of encouragement, happiness and comfort.
Her functional pieces include mason jar storage, chalkboards, and various knobs and hooks for hanging objects. Custom work can also be requested.
As she receives positive feedback from her first-market style event, Friesen is considering the Farmers Market and the BC Interior Forestry Museum’s gift shop for further exposure and retail opportunities. Until then, inquiries or viewing requests can be sent via email to dwnfrsn@telus.net.
