The Walleye Magazine

Artisans Northwest

Celebrating 45 (+1) Years

By Savanah Tillberg

Since 1975, Artisans Northwest has been promoting both creativity and a sense of community for local artists. The non-forprofit organization hosts Thunder Bay’s longest-running fine art show. In their early years, Artisans Northwest would organize multiple craft market events throughout the season leading up to Christmas. Since then, the venues, logistics, and artists have evolved to form their current—and much anticipated— annual fine art and craft show that takes place in late November.

The Artisans Northwest Fine Art and Craft Show is a juried show, where artists who are selected to participate are able to showcase their work among their peers. Lisa Ferris, longtime Artisans Northwest member and chair of digital presence, says, “We started out as a group of artists who wanted to support other artists and provide a venue that was accessible but also of a certain calibre.” Over the years, the collective and its events

have varied in size and frequency and Ferris says, “I find it fascinating to look back over the years and see how the histories [of the show] have changed but the goal has not, and that we are still a group of people who are connected through creativity.”

Unfortunately, in 2020 Artisans Northwest was not immune to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their regular in-person show was unable to take place. However, the resourceful executive team successfully organized their very first virtual show. For some members of the collective, this was their first-ever experience selling their work in a digital space. Though it presented certain challenges, Ferris says the online show allowed artists to learn new skills and enter new markets. Following the success of their virtual show, Artisans Northwest is excited to have the opportunity to present a hybrid program this year, with both an in-person and online presence. “We designed this show so that we could ensure that our artisans and patrons could participate comfortably,” says Ferris.

Last year was the 45th anniversary of Artisans Northwest, but given the irregularity of the season, they withheld celebration. The collective is thrilled to announce that they will be publicly celebrating their 45th (+1) Anniversary this year as they welcome the community back into their shared creative space. On November 20 and 21, an in-person event will take place at the DaVinci Centre, where patrons can admire and purchase art. From November 22 to 29, patrons will be able to access participating artists’ digital selling platforms through the Artisans Northwest website. A digital guide outlining which artists will be participating in person, and which will be participating virtually is also available.

Visit artisansnorthwest.ca for more info.

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