Support Syilx Okanagan Nation artists at upcoming Penticton craft fair

Photo: En'owkin Centre

Celebrate and support Syilx artists at the triumphant return of the En'owkin Centre's Syilx Members Artisans Craft Week.

On Dec. 7, 8 and 9, find unique works by local Indigenous artists for sale at a free market open to the public, operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The annual market used to happen on a Saturday, but was stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Organizers wanted to cautiously open back up this year and spread the event out over three days.

"We're really excited because everybody has been sitting at home and so now, this is our comeback," said En'owkin Centre manager of arts and culture Tracey Bonneau.

"We're trying to get the good word out to everybody to come and help support our artists, because our artists really are the ones that struggle for venues and sales. So we're happy to provide this to the syilx artists."

More than 15 artists have already signed up as vendors, with more spaces still filling up. Up to 30 could be there on a given day.

Art available will range from beadwork to sewing, lanyards to ornaments, jewellery to paintings, to clothing and crafts.

"I was talking to one vendor, and she said that she was doing some authentic-style painting on some picture frames that have a really authentic Indigenous look specific to the interior. So I thought that was very exciting," Bonneau said.

With Christmas around the corner, it's the perfect time to pick up something local to put in a stocking or under a tree, Bonneau said.

"And it's free. We've got lots of parking, and we'd be happy to see everybody and give them a free cup of coffee or tea. And I'll see if Santa has any hot chocolate," she added with a laugh.

Find the En'owkin centre at 154 Enowkin Trail, Penticton, and find more information about the centre online here.