August slipped away in the blink of an eye, and now we're half way through September!As a craftsperson it's time to think about Christmas! Not the day itself - no, I staunchly resist our over-eager commercialization of each and every holiday - but I must plan the season of events that Susan Lee Studios will participate in.
The first is the most exciting for me, because of its newness. For the first time I will be traveling outside Newfoundland to present my work to the public at a juried craft fair! Windfall Fine Art & Handcraft Market will be happening in Antigonish, Nova Scotia on September 26th & 27th. I have family in the area that was impressed with the high calibre of work on offer at the Windfall Market in previous years. I've also had the opportunity to chat with vendors who participate in the Windfall Market, and they expressed their satisfaction with how well run the event is. It's very reassuring to me to have both these perspectives before trying out a new venue, especially when the added cost and logistics of travel must be considered. I hope to make this the first of many Windfall Markets that I participate in!The rest of my season is falling into place as well. I will be updating my blog as we get closer to the Christmas season, but in the meantime a quick rundown of where you can find me selling Susan Lee Studios jewellery and/or prints in the coming months follows:
- October 3rd: The Museum Association of Newfoundland & Labrador will be having its AGM & Conference October 2-3, 2015 at the Ramada Hotel in St. John's, Newfoundland. The theme of this year's conference is Handcrafted Heritage. I will be giving a presentation (sorry, none of my products will be for sale at this event) on my collaboration with The Rooms Gift Shop to create an exclusive line of Forget-Me-Not jewellery that commemorates the Newfoundland Regiment's involvement in WWI.
- October 6th: Lend Us Your Ears Fundraiser at the Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador. I've submitted a few pairs of earrings to this very worthwhile cause, and am so sorry to be unable to attend in person, as I've seen a few other people's submissions too and they're very exciting! Craftspeople across media disciplines have been creating one-of-a-kind earrings for donation. This is an exciting chance for "supporters to purchase pieces from the highly technical to the totally whimsical, art jewellery to fashion jewellery...and beyond!", says Shannon Reid, who will curate the display happening in the Main Gallery. This fundraiser will help us to maintain the historic structure of Devon House, where the Craft Council is located, and which takes no small amount of love (and money!) to keep it looking beautiful.
- November 11th - 15th: Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador 42nd Christmas Craft Fair! The big news this year is our big move! This event will be held in Torbay at the Jack Byrne Arena. Parking? No Problem! Accessibility? No Problem! Looking forward to seeing tons of folks to kick off this event in what will likely be our new location in years to come! Spread the news!
- November 22nd: The Printer's Fair will be happening in the Rocket Room above Rocket Bakery. I'm so excited to be taking part in this for a second year! I am having great fun working on brand new prints, and I'll share some sneak peeks ahead of the event.
- November 28th: Quidi Vidi Plantation Christmas Open House: I'm thrilled once again to be invited to bring my work to this fantastic event. It really kickstarts my Christmas spirit! While you can (and should!) visit the Plantation anytime to see the artists at work and to purchase unique gift items, their open houses really bring a sense of festivity and celebration to act of making.
- December 11th, 12th & 13th: The Anna Templeton Christmas Tea & Sale. As a craftsperson this event is really like a family gathering. Familiar as well as new faces of craftspeople and customers congregate here to enjoy three floors of handcrafted goods, as well as the unparalleled inhouse cookery stylings of Katie Parnham and her crew in the kitchen, serving up soups, salads, and sweets, along with tea & coffee in the Tea Room.
