Celebrating Local Art: Arts Hub Brockville Holiday Artisan Show
As the holiday season approaches, the Arts Hub Brockville invites art lovers, gift-givers, and community supporters to a very special event: the Holiday Artisan Show & Sale, taking place at their downtown Brockville location (32 Park Street, in the beautifully restored St. John’s United Church).
A Festive, Local Shopping Experience
This isn’t just a market — it’s an opportunity to connect with the region’s creative heart. Scheduled for Saturday, November 29 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 30 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.), the event promises a cozy, inspiring environment where holiday shopping becomes more thoughtful, personal, and community-centered.
The premise is simple but powerful: encourage people to support local artisans, de-stress from typical mall crowds, and discover unique, handcrafted treasures.
Meet the Artisans
One of the most compelling features of the Holiday Artisan Show is the lineup of talented local creators. The Arts Hub’s artisan page highlights a diverse roster, including painters, potters, fibre artists, woodworkers, and more.
Here are a few standout artisans to look out for:
Lisa Free (Painter): Known for minimalist, elegant work.
Eddie Vander Baaren (Potter): He describes his work as deeply intuitive, letting the clay guide his hands, resulting in unexpected but beautiful forms.
Monique van Someren (Painter): Her art celebrates nature’s quiet beauty and the small, often overlooked moments of daily life.
Eda Brown (Painter): The use of vivid and vibrant colours with quick brush work brings the viewer into a place that can be uniquely their own.
Sylvia Shackles (Fabric Artist): Quilt maker extraordinaire , her colourful and lively patterns are both artistic and functional.
Nadine Baker (Painter): Nadine has produced commissioned work and has participated in several Kingston, Ottawa and Toronto exhibitions.
Francis Lincoln Mulcahy (Woodworker): His wooden boards don’t just look good — they’re practical, too, balancing aesthetics with use.
Pat Markovich (Alcohol Ink Artist): She works wonders on small tiles with flowing, vibrant landscapes and florals.
Rachel Legault (Painter): Rachel is a self taught artist that utilizes solely oil paints to craft pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia in the viewer.
Larissa Sokolova (Fibre Artist): Creates “wearable art” using wet-felting techniques and eco-friendly fibers like wool, silk, linen, and bamboo.
Alison Storey (Multi-Media Artist): Her woodcut prints reflect the textures and spirit of the local landscape.
Solange Leman (Paper Artist): Her handmade notebooks and art cards are crafted with handmade paper, each piece is tactile and deeply personal.
Jackie Kavanagh (Fibre Artist): Her weaving is spontaneous yet deliberate; each piece feels like its own little universe.
Anne-Marie Leman (Stained Glass): Brings colour and light to life, perfect for a special, luminous gift.
Sue Steele & Jann Smith (Potters): Members of Riverbank Pottery Studio with their collaborative pieces are full of creativity and personality.
Joanne Raven (Painter): Uses tile mounted on wood; her works often depict Canadian skies and landscapes.
Bonnie Bosley (Painter): Her landscapes and portraits celebrate Eastern Ontario’s beauty, she’s deeply rooted in the region.
Judy Boyd (Bag Maker): Her “Boyd Bags” are completely one-of-a-kind, handcrafted with premium materials and great care.
Sheila Goertzen (Painter): Self-taught and inspired by nature, her pieces often reflect animals and beloved places.
Jennifer Sine (Needle Felt Artist): Her whimsical wool pieces, tiny creatures and soft textures bring joy and charm.
This really is a curated experience, with artisans representing a wide variety of craft disciplines. The mix makes the event attractive not only to serious art collectors but also to anyone looking for a thoughtful, handmade gift.
Why This Show Matters
Community Support: This event strengthens connection between artists and their community. By buying local, attendees directly support the makers.
Accessible Art: The venue! Arts Hub Brockville, located in the historic St. John’s United Church, provides an inviting, beautiful backdrop, reinforcing that art is for everyone.
No Commission: Participating artisans handle their own sales and keep 100% of the proceeds.
Promoting Local Talent: Many artists featured are from Brockville and surrounding areas, reinforcing the Arts Hub’s mission to cultivate and elevate local creativity.
Plan Your Visit
If you're planning to go:
Date & Time: Saturday, November 29 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 30 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Location: Arts Hub Brockville, 32 Park Street, Brockville, ON (use King Street Entrance)
Why Go: Great opportunity to pick up handcrafted holiday gifts, connect with artists, and soak in the warm, creative energy of a community arts hub.
In summary, Arts Hub Brockville’s Holiday Artisan Show is more than just a seasonal market, it’s a celebration of local artistry, craftsmanship and community. Whether you’re looking to support artists, find meaningful gifts or just spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by creativity, this event is absolutely worth a stop.
