From forty display tables in 1986 to over 200 artisan store fronts in 2020, the much anticipated Art Market is celebrating 34 years this November 19 through November 22 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.

”Art Market has come a long ways in 34 years,” says Marlene Loney about the beautiful downtown Calgary show. “We used to present mainly hobbyists. It’s exciting to see the professional artisans we present nowadays. Really high-quality work, really skilled craftspeople.” The quality of the show is apparent in the presentation too: creative displays of unique gifts catch the light and entice shoppers to hunt for treasures.

From a small gathering of fifty crafters, Art Market has grown to accommodate 200 artisans at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. All sorts of mediums are presented, from the anticipated ornate jewellery and detailed woodworking, to the more surprising, such as the clever and contemplative Pebble Art. The caliber of the work has steadily increased to the point where artists travel from all over the country to attend the show.

Both Loney and her assistant Nichole Windblad travel Canada from one end to the other, talking to artists and seeking out the finest work. Says Windblad, “Being with the artists on the show floor really helps us get a sense of how to support what they are doing. I think the fact that we genuinely appreciate the richness their craft adds to the country is part of why they come to Calgary.” And it means Art Market gets to hand-pick the best work available.

Loney says it’s also been rewarding to watch the artists evolve alongside the show. “Potters discover new techniques, painters investigate new themes, a jeweler may develop a whole new aesthetic approach. That is what makes hand-crafted gifts extraordinary. You won’t find the exact same piece again next year – the creativity just keeps coming!”

Art Market’s future is rosy, with two generations working to keep the show full of brilliant quality and original gifts, and make possible a venue for discerning shoppers to meet talented Canadian makers.