This weekend (November 12th and 13th), Jamaican Self-Help is hosting its 10th annual Artisan Show and Sale, with proceeds supporting youth and educational projects in Jamaica. Over 20 local artisans will set up their wares at Mark Street United Church in East City in Peterborough, showcasing a diverse selection of quality art and craft.
Participating artisans include Diane Collins (water colours), Dawn Damiany (fused glass jewellery), Val Davidson (gold and silver jewellery), Ruth Dyer (textile and fabric art), Lillian Forester (pottery), David Hickey (metal art), Linda Howes (specialty soaps), H. Macdonald (woodturning), Melodie McCullough (beeswax products), Janet McDougall (pottery), Sandi McNeil (basketry, wire trees), Diane Passmore (weaving), Gina Peers (basketry), Margaret Prescott (necklaces), Bob Root (photography), Liz Sine (pottery), Sue Thomas (felted & stitched items), Paulina Timmermans-Osak (reclaimed lumber items), Matt Vidler (tin art), and Betty Anne Welsh (sewn items).
Artisans will donate 15% of their sales to Jamaican Self-Help (JSH), a Peterborough-based registered charitable organization that relies on Canadian volunteers and donors to support educational and community development projects through its partner organizations in Jamaica.
The Artisan Show and Sale fundraiser began 10 years ago, when Kate Johnston hosted the first one in her home on Rogers Street. Kate’s mother, Val Johnston, had encouraged her to host a “house sale” fundraiser. Being a local potter and part of the artisan community in Peterborough for years, Val called on some of her friends to take part in the fundraiser.
“We moved all of our furniture out of the first floor of our house and about 10 artists set up their wares for the weekend, raising close to $1,000 for JSH that first year,” explains Kate. “We held the sale in my house for another year and then moved to Mark Street United Church for a bigger space to accommodate more artisans, but we kept the East City feel.”
Over the decade, the fundraiser has expanded from 10 to 20 participating artisans and continues to feature an impressive variety of hand-crafted items including: pottery, textile and fabric art, specialty soaps, knitted and woven items, beeswax products, metal and wood work, photography and a distinctive jewelry designs. Opening the event up to more artisans has also resulted in increased public attendance and overall profits. Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for JSH projects.
“We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary by showcasing a few new artisans and bringing back those who have shared their talents with us for years,” says Liz Sine, Chair of the Artisan Show and Sale Committee. “Our goal is to raise funds for our Jamaican projects and also to support the local artisans who bring beautiful work to our community.”
The event will also include a silent auction featuring items donated by artisans. A variety of fresh baked goods will be for sale. Admission is free but donations at the door are greatly appreciated. Debit, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
The Artisan Show and Sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 13th at Mark Street United Church (90 Hunter St. E., Peterborough). For more information about Jamaican Self-Help, visit www.jshcanada.org.
