More than 45 members of the Bragg Creek Artisans guild are busy preparing for the annual Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale, Nov. 17 and 18 at the Bragg Creek Community Centre. “[The artisans] are responsible for creating their own little mini gallery,” said long-time member Pamela Rodger. “It’s fun. It’s really a beautiful event.” Visitors to the annual Christmas event will find original gifts and holiday-themed decorations during the two-day sale, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The guild is comprised of makers of all manner of homemade goods and artwork, according to Rodger – fine art, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, fibre arts and more. “Everything is handmade. We are very particular about that,” Rodger said. “We decorate the hall as though we’re preparing a party for our family, friends and community. Everyone is really willing to tell you about how their craft is made.” Two old-fashioned general stores within the sale provide visitors with an opportunity to purchase jams, jellies and pies, as well as a selection of handmade goods, including knitting, woodcarvings and tapestry items. “The artisans who don’t regularly make great quantities to display in a small area of their own, they’re in the general store,” Rodger said. “Sometimes, children of the artisans will make little Christmas ornaments – we usually have two or three trees that we hang those ornaments on.” Soup and beverages, prepared by the Korner Kitchen in Bragg Creek, will also be available for purchase, she added. Unlike other Christmas markets, only members of the guild are allowed to display and sell their wares at this sale. “It’s not just a sale where we rent out tables. These are artisans that get together once a month,” Rodger said. “The Bragg Creek Artisans has existed for over 38 years. It was formed as a traditional guild…and everybody [participates] all year long.” Members meet monthly for regular meetings, and also benefit from workshops and lectures, Rodger said, which enhance their own artistic practice. Membership is limited to residents of the Bragg Creek area, including Priddis and Millerville. Admission and parking at the Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale are free. Raffle tickets to win some amazing prizes will be available at the event with all proceeds going to a local cause, Rodger said, which will be determined in January 2019. More information about the guild and the upcoming sale is available at braggcreekartisans.com or on Facebook by searching for Bragg Creek Artisans.
