One of Burnaby’s favourite pre-Christmas events is returning to the Shadbolt Centre this month.
The 47th annual Deer Lake Craft Festival is on at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts Nov. 16 to 18.
The festival continues the Burnaby Arts Council’s tradition of jurying artisans for entry into the show, considering only those with high-quality, hand-crafted products.
This year’s event features more than 60 artisans, including glass blowers, sculptors, potters, wood workers, jewelry and fashion designers and many more. Also available will be an array of seasonal foodstuffs – such as chocolates, mixed spices, Christmas cakes, cookies, jams, jellies, chutneys and designer honey.
A press release from the arts council notes that the show includes a mix of returning and new artisans. Among the returning artists are such favourites as Violet Finvers, with creative glass work; Jane’s Honey Bees, with local honey; and foodies Sable Shortbread and Coconama Chocolate. New artisans include De.Jeffrey Pottery, Muckabout Gift Gallery, R.K. Paintings and Reflective Room.
As always, visitors to the show will also be treated to entertainment throughout the weekend. Among this year’s performers are the Rockey Fuel Band, Eddie Lam, Carolyn Neapole, and the Snow Queen from Believe Entertainment. The Sm:)e Band, John Gonzales and Jeff Neufeld are all among returning favourites from past shows.
New this year, audiences will be able to enjoy a live painting competition on Friday evening (see related story), featuring a roster of experienced art battle competitors: Kwakwee Baker, Honeytta Eyvany, Sandra Trubin, Juan Pablo Vega, Jesse Wamboldt and Jessica Wiebe.
The arts council has also continued its tradition of creating a family-friendly, kid-friendly environment. Volunteers from Burnaby high schools will be on site at Santa’s Workshop, where young visitors can find face painting, a hands-on art workshop and a chance to decorate their own free Christmas cookie, baked fresh from Sable Shortbread.
Door prizes and raffle draws are also part of the fun. For all the details about the event, check out www.burnabyartscouncil.org.
WHO’S ONSTAGE
Saturday, Nov. 17
10 a.m. Jeff Neufeld
11 a.m. TBA
Noon Snow Queen (Believe Entertainment)
1 p.m. John Gonzalez
2 p.m. Carolyn Neapole
3 p.m. Rocket Fuel Band
Sunday, Nov. 18
10 a.m. Eddie Lam
11 a.m. Sm:)e Band
Noon Nicole Scofield
1 p.m. Beautiful Belle (Believe Entertainment)
2 p.m. The Crossing
3 p.m. CHUMS (ukulele performance)
