Regional artists and artisans will soon have a new outlet through which to sell their wares.
Northern Ontario Handmade is a new organization whose mission is to “create an atmosphere where local makers and artists can connect with customers and to create a community of support for local and handmade businesses.”
Lynn Clement is one of the organizers of the first Handmade Market, which will take place in the McIntyre Arena auditorium on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The Northern Ontario Handmade Market is a curated show,” says Clement. “We're looking for makers of all kinds - crafters, upcyclers, artists, sculptors, painters, etc. If you make anything, you could be a vendor.”
Clement says she was inspired to organize the show based on her experience with similar shows in other parts of the province.
“Northern Ontario has so many talented people, talents that needed to be showcased,” says Clement. “I’ve participated in shows south of Timmins myself. Funny thing is I would always see Timmins residents shopping at these shows. They all would say, ‘Why don’t we have this in Timmins?’”
Though Timmins has a number of trade shows and vendor shows that take place throughout the year, Clement says the Handmade Market is different.
“These shows have a higher percentage of direct sales booths or retail stores than actual handmade crafters,” says Clement. “The uniqueness of a handmade item – one of a kind factor – sets this show apart from other shows that take place in Timmins.”
Clement says another unique aspect of the show will be its live demonstrations.
“Some of our talented artisans will have demonstrations on the process that goes into their craft. You may learn something new!”
Clement says they want to make the market as accessible as possible to encourage the public to support the market and its vendors.
“The market is free to attend,” says Clement. “We’d like to invite all Timmins and area residents to come out and support our local talent.”
Currently, Northern Ontario Handmade is accepting applications from prospective vendors. Not all applications will be approved, says the organization’s Facebook page, “to make sure the market maintains a standard of high-quality and variety.”
A team of organizers will judge prospective vendors based on “quality of the product, production of the product, product cohesiveness and brand, and fit with the overall aesthetics of the market,” says the Facebook post.
The fee to secure a six-foot table at the market is $60. Only successful vendors will be expected to pay this fee.
The deadline to apply to be a vendor is Feb. 28, 2018.
Editor's note: TimminsToday reporter Maija Hoggett is a co-organizer of the market
