#yegcraft

There are so many reasons to shop local this holiday season – you get to support your local economy, help build the career of artists in your community, and take home something totally unique. Plus, if you’re shopping at TIX, you get it all with great service and free gift-wrapping!

TIX on the Square (9930 – 102 Ave ) is the Edmonton Arts Council’s not-for-profit box office and store. They sell tickets to local and touring events, as well as gifts made by local artists, crafters, and other creatives. We invite you to join us this Saturday, November 21, when TIX artists will be in store doing demos of their work, and answering all your questions. Enjoy hot apple cider, hot chocolate, festive treats and vegan cookies from Bloom while you shop.

From 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. artists will be creating the fantastic work available at TIX store. The duo of Valerie and Kathleen Bear make up Sister Bear Designs. Originally from northwestern Ontario, the sisters continue to honour their Anishnaabe (Ojibway) culture through their bead and leatherwork. Self-taught in needle felting, Holly Boone creates charming creatures for children and adults. The delightful and multi-talented Wilfred Kozub will be highlighting his painting skills. Erik Lee incorporates Indigenous Plains Cree motifs through his refined silver jewelry. Maggie Murray of Delvin Design will be joining us in the afternoon with her unique, Celtic, wire jewelry.

See the artists in action this Saturday, join the Facebook event here.

Can’t attend on Saturday? Never fear, TIX will be extending their shopping hours in December for your convenience. Stop by to pick up the little extras, like Bro Brick and Mother Earth Essential bath and body products, or the bigger-ticket items, like handcrafted mahogany side tables by Entwood Carpentry.

We’ve also pulled together some other great opportunities to shop local. Feel free to share events we’ve missed in the comments below!

2015 SNAP members Show & Sale November 21 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Akiko Kohana Pottery Exhibition & Sale November 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 12512 - 66 Avenue, Edmonton, AB

Urban carrot Hot glass Winter Sale November 21 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 10718 - 74 Avenue, Edmonton, AB

The Vixens of Vintage Holiday Market November 21 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, 10440 108 Avenue

MAKE IT! The Handmade Revolution November 26 to 29 Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 - 118 Avenue

University of Alberta, Art & Design Graduates Presents, the 2015 Grad Show Auction: OUTBURST November 27 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Telus Centre, 111 Street 87 Ave

Alberta Craft Council’s ’Twas the Night November 27 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Tickets $30

Burst of Brightness: Cultural Bazaar November 27 and 28 Edmonton Intercultural Centre, 9538 107 Avenue NW (McCauley School)

Carrot Christmas Arts Bazaar November 27 and 28 The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, 9351 118 Avenue

Just Christmas: An Ethical Global Market Place November 27 and 28 Alberta Avenue Community Hall, 9210 118 Avenue

Royal Bison Art + Craft Fair November 27 to 29 8426 Gateway Boulevard

Christmas in Strathearn November 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Strathearn Community League, 9532 - 87 Street Golden Prairie Marketplace November 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts

Hand2Hand Christmas Market November 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Providence Renewal Centre, 3005 - 119 Street

Les Miniatures Show November 28 to 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Le centre d’arts visuels de l’Alberta, 9103 95 Avenue

Silver Bells Winter Market November 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park

Uhlick Pottery & Tile Christmas Sale November 28 to 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 53123 Range Road 214, Ardrossan

Royal Bison Art + Craft Fair December 4 to 6 8426 Gateway Boulevard

The Grand Market Holiday Bazaar December 6, 13 and 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. French Quarter Grand Market, 8627 91 Street

2015 Lady Geek Nite December Craft Market December 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Happy Harbor Comics, 10729 - 104 Ave

Urban Marketplace December 13 to 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, 10440 108 Avenue

The Culture Collective Arts Market December 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Early Bird Tickets $9.00 Yellowhead Brewery, 10229 105 Street