news release
CRYSTAL GARDENS GROWS OUT OF HAND ARTISAN FAIR NOVEMBER 20 TO 22
Victoria, B.C. October 21, 2009 …Ramona Froehle-Schacht doesn't need a crystal ball to predict another successful Out of Hand Artisan Fair. She booked the Crystal Gardens the moment the announcement was made last year that the spacious and gracious landmark had become part of the Victoria Convention Centre.
“There’s more of an artisan village feel to the Crystal Gardens site” said Froehle-Schacht. “Shoppers can browse on the two levels and enjoy the feeling of being in a historic building”.
This year's fair runs Friday November 20 to Sunday November 22. Vendors are clamoring to show off their wares and there are many new and innovative gifts to browse.
“We have 130 booths confirmed and over 1/3 of the vendors are new. For example, Trudy Wynans’ Toodlebunny line of whimsical jewelry is being snapped up by music and movie stars. Kim Bassinger bought three necklaces when she was in Vancouver and a feathered cuff was worn by jazz/blues singer Nidi Onukwulu at the Juno Awards. Trudy mixes vintage baubles with her own forged designs. She will be manning her booth in person. After the ups and downs of the economy, it is time to treat ourselves and support local artisans and food producers".
Known as one of the best artisan fairs in Western Canada, Froehle-Schacht has brought an incredible selection of handmade, beautiful, often useful, sometimes delectable gifts made by Canada’s finest artisans to Victoria, providing shoppers the opportunity to buy thoughtful & unique gifts directly from the source. Last year average of 12,000 shoppers stopped by. Admission is just $7 at the door. Please note this year Out Of Hand breaks with tradition by opening on a Friday at noon rather than a Thursday.
Some of the highlights of the 2009 Out of Hand Artisan Fair include:
* Gourmet Ballroom: locally produced, beautifully presented, artisan foods and sweets.
* High-quality glasswork, ceramics, jewelry, wood, art, Christmas décor, textiles and clothing.
* The opportunity to support our artists and the environment, while buying beautiful, well priced gifts made in BC.
* The Emerging Artists tables give up-and-coming crafters a chance to test their products, hone their marketing skills and exchange ideas with seasoned veterans of the art world.
Out of Hand Artisan Fair Schedule
Friday November 20 to Sunday, November 22 @ Crystal Gardens 713 Douglas Street
Nov. 20: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Nov. 21: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Nov. 22: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Adults, $7; Senior/Student, $6; Fair Pass, $8; Under 16, free
For your comfort and convenience, the Out of Hand Artisan Fair offers wheelchair access, a mother’s room, a coat/parcel check (run by Santa’s Anonymous), bank machine and central credit card service. Parking is convenient at nearby hotel and Convention Centre parkades.
Media enquiries:
Ramona Froehle-Schacht
250-737-1788
ramona@outofhand.ca
http://www.outofhand.ca
Photos available upon request