Fruits and vegetables still will be piled high at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market this Saturday, but there also will be another feast for the eyes—local artists and crafts people ready to “show and tell.”
Artists representing the Fine Line Art Gallery here will be showing their art and telling about their skills. Look for Linda Lovisa and her pallet of acrylic paint demonstrating how to create a new picture.
Bring your child and Pam Hawley will use her sketching skill to prepare a caricature for the two of you to take home (remember that Bob’s Shop can help you choose the ideal frame for such a keepsake!)
At the Fine Line Art Gallery display, you will be able to meet several of the local artists and ask them about their work.
You’ll also be able to find a sampling of what the Mowat Avenue gallery has to offer, including watercolour and acrylic paintings, pastel sketchings, photography, pottery, and glass work—even lovely handmade gift cards.
Earlier in the year, all the members of the gallery shared time at a workshop learning about making pottery, and the variety of pots they created has been used as a gallery fundraiser.
Check out these unique creations and you’ll surely find the perfect gift for an acquaintance—and support the gallery at the same time!
You always can drop into the Fine Line Art Gallery to see the complete selection of works by local artists. And while there, ask about their upcoming workshops.
This fall and winter, for instance, you can learn about watercolour painting, rug hooking, and fresh wreath-making. You even can rent their workroom and run your own workshop!
There is a small, regular contingency of artists and craftspeople who make the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market their base of activity on Saturdays.
One of those is Chris Keast. Perhaps the best was to describe his work is to say it is a combination of contemporary and traditional native art.
This Saturday, Keast will have a step-by-step display of how he creates his paper maché sculptures. With school projects already on the horizon, perhaps Keast’s skill and advice can help you get through your own paper maché project.
Keast also has many beaded pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, with his work often incorporating leathers, rawhide, antlers, and shells.
Speaking of beadwork, Tracy Hudson will be at the market with her handcrafted necklaces and bracelets. From knotted hemp bracelets for casual wear to colourful glass beads to co-ordinate with formal wear, Hudson has single pieces or sets to match any outfit.
If you are compelled to do a little creative work yourself, Norma Carter will be at the market with Creative Memories products and photo-safe albums.
Carter will be showing new products that are designed for people searching for a way to keep photos organized—and make the transition to albums easier and faster.
She has a complete line of stickers, pens, and papers to make your photo albums look like artworks!
As well, the woodwork exhibits at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market always show wonderful craftsmanship and usefulness. The skills of Dave Plett are evident all around him in his cabinetry and furniture.
Given the appropriate measurements, Plett can build the exact piece you need to match your existing household or to fit a difficult location.
Bill Birrell works with local pine and cedar, building bird feeders and houses, shelving, window boxes, even chairs. He lets you do the finishing to suit your needs—and your budget!
Dave Dupuis is surrounded by floating eagles at the farmers’ market, all handcrafted. This Saturday, he’ll show you the different stages of constructing the birds.
He will have various lengths and widths of pine and cedar available to purchase for hobby work, in the event you wish to build your projects.
Meanwhile, gardens continue to explode, providing the local farmers’ market with piles of produce. Presently in abundance is cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Ontario peaches are still available, and new varieties of apples arrive each week. An, the salsa is stewing as you read! Lowey’s will have freshly-bottled salsa.
Many thanks to all who cooked, organized, and sat down for lunch for the market’s 20th anniversary celebration last Saturday. It was fun for the market vendors to “strut their stuff,” and visitors seemed to really enjoy the taste of market foods.
Check the farmers’ market information board to see if you won a prize last Saturday.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
