Holiday Arts Market starts at Station Arts Centre on Dec. 5

Three of the artists taking part in the Holiday Arts Market were preparing their tables for the event, which opens tomorrow. The two-week-long show runs until Dec. 18 at the Station Arts Centre. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg’s longest running seasonal craft show starts on Dec. 5 and runs until Dec. 18.

The Holiday Arts Market, which is hosted by the Station Arts Centre, has a unique format in the entire station is transformed into a wonderland of Christmas crafts of all sorts. This ranges from metal crafts to knitted hats and stained glass to jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments, stationary and even cookies. Artisans set up their tables, and items are available through the entire time period when the Station Arts Centre is open, with station staff looking after sales.

Potter Jennifer Marchant is one of the artists who will be taking part, selling ceramic Christmas ornaments and mugs and plates with a festive theme. She will also have mugs and plates without a holiday flare.

Hattie Idsinga’s needle felting is wall art with a 3-D touch. Her art works are akin to a painting, but the Norfolk Fibre Arts Guild member uses felt instead of traditional paints or other mediums.

Cindie McCormack’s intricate quilling Christmas decorations are actually strips of paper rolled into coils and pinched into strips.

The event has a unique format, one that started during Covid. For many years, the Station Arts Centre hosted the Down Home Country Christmas, which was held in the former Special Events Centre and resulted in a town-wide celebration. When that facility was sold, the event moved, and eventually faded. Tabitha Verbuyst, Station Arts Centre executive director, in her persition while Covid restrictions were in place.

“Covid hit and we were trying to figure a way we can bring people in in a safe manner and came up with the Holiday Arts Market,” Verbuyst said.

The event stuck and has expanded to the largest yet this year with more than 40 vendors. Verbuyst believes the two-week-long event helps.

“Obviously, it’s a busy time of year and it’s hard for people to get to weekend shows, plus it’s free,” she said.

With artists restocking their booths as items sell, there is always something new for shoppers as well.

The Holiday Arts Market runs until the Station Arts Centre closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 18.