Contributed by Duncan Fremlin, Broker
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.
www.morethanahome.ca
Our Cabbagetown Festival continues to thrive and even grow, largely because of the Arts & Crafts Market in the park. Over the years, it has been a treasure trove of new and exiting creations, designed and created by some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet.
If you take the time to stop and talk to some of these artists, you’ll learn and probably be inspired by their stories and the work they create. Whether it’s porcelain vases, leather satchels, watercolour paintings or whatever, their work is sometimes unusual, quite often off-the-wall, but always interesting.
Many of them are busy every weekend, and many weekdays, every summer, driving their ware from market to fair to festival hoping to sell a few of their pieces. That’s commitment of the highest level. And it’s very hard work I’m sure. If you ask them, they might admit they live through their work.
Rarely do we get to buy anything directly from the producer. But this weekend is offers many opportunities to do just that.
The thing is, if they don’t have exactly what you want, they’ll likely make it for you.
Recently, I met an artist in a market north of the city and her style was captivating. I asked if she could create a piece, just for me, and she enthusiastically said, “absolutely”. I even provided her with much of the content…totally customized. It’s a banjo and she even added real strings!
Next to her was a leather/canvas maker, again with a unique style. I asked if she could make me a bag to hold some material that I needed to transport and a week later, she had created exactly what I was looking for. And, the price was right in both cases.
This is something to keep in mind as you wander through the park during the festival. They’d appreciate the business.
