A variety of handcrafted original works by local artists in the hamlet of Bragg Creek can be found at the Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale this weekend.
On Nov. 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can visit the Bragg Creek Centre, free of charge, and browse the several handcrafted and original works that will be on display, by more than 50 vendors.
After a pause due to the pandemic, this will be their first full sale since 2019.
Laura Snoet, sale coordinator for the Bragg Creek Artisan Society and their annual sale, said the society has been together since 1977, and they have hosted their staple event for about the same amount of time.
“We’ve been at it for over 40 years, and we’re a group of like-minded artisans who all make handmade goods,” Snoet said.
Snoet said they host the sale once a year to promote the diversity and variety of the talent that be found among the artisans.
“We’re not quite at the 50th anniversary, but having that much of a history in Bragg Creek, almost everybody that lives here has some kind of background,” Snoet said. “And there’s so much talent in this group, the hamlet really lends itself well to this event.”
With a focus on handmade craftsmanship by local artists in Bragg Creek, Snoet said it all contributes to a one-of-a-kind sale. With everything from stone carvings, pottery, paintings, woodworks, sculptures, fibre art, and other forms of art, there is a diverse range of art that is inspired by nature.
“We have all kinds of media when it comes to painting,” Snoet said. “We see all sorts of variety and again, a lot of our work is inspired from nature that surrounds us and things that speak to the artist.”
Snoet said the sale will also feature a wide range of homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, and even pickled goods.
“So, if you’re looking for some snacks, stocking stuffers, or things like that, all that kind of stuff is here too,” Snoet said.
Social media and marketing volunteer for the artisans, Jackie Cox, said another unique feature of the sale is a section called the General Store, a one-stop shop for a variety of Christmas-themed goods and stocking stuffers.
“there’s about 20 vendors that get together as a collective group and form out general store,” she said. “So yeah, it’s definitely more of a traditional Christmas market.”
Cox added that the sale will also feature their staple Soup Kitchen, where guests can grab a bite to eat, while also enjoying the market.
Cox said she would like to give a special thanks to Snoet for organizing the event, the Bragg Creek Artisan Society president Joan Matsusaki, Rocky View County for their supporting their work in the community, and the Bragg Creek Centre for hosting their sale for the last 46 years.
Snoet and Cox invite anyone in the Bragg Creek area interested in joining the Bragg Creek Artisans to do so by visiting www.braggcreekartisans.com
