ESTEVAN — Talented artists had the opportunity to showcase their abilities during an artisan show and sale Aug. 23 at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM).
Nine vendors had their products available for the more than 50 people in attendance. EAGM director-curator Tye Dandridge-Evancio said he was pleased with the response from both exhibitors and buyers alike.
“I’m so pleasantly surprised by the turnout. I’m so pleased that we’ve had the interaction and engagement that we’ve had. It’s absolutely been fabulous, and I couldn’t be happier,” said Dandridge-Evancio in an interview with SaskToday.
He believes the opening 30 minutes of the sale marked the busiest time.
Variety was a big part of the show’s success, he said. Some of the exhibitors had been at other craft sales, and there were some whose goods he saw for the first time. The EAGM didn’t charge a fee for the vendors, either.
“I think that’s what’s so great about these, is there’s so many artists here in Estevan doing such cool things. You’ll never find out about them until you attend things like this, and I think that’s ... the funnest thing about this, is there’s so many different things,” said Dandridge-Evancio.
He’s seen something for everybody and lots of pop culture references through the merchandise. Some of the art appealed to an adult sense of humour.
Dandridge-Evancio credited Cody-Lynn Hoffort, who is the assistant program co-ordinator, for coming up with the idea for the sale.
“She has run with it and handled a lot of the advertising, programming and planning. I’m really proud of her,” said Dandridge-Evancio. “This would not be happening without her.”
The EAGM wants to be a hub for arts and culture, Dandridge-Evancio said, and a place where artisans can sell their products.
“We get to have people come in and engage with the art gallery, but we also get to promote these artists and their wares,” said Dandridge-Evancio.
Dandridge-Evancio noted the next event will be a fall festival Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Vendors will once again be present, but there will also be food, bouncy castles, and children’s activities and crafts.
