“Labour” of Love - Sundance Show in Maberly

Aug 22, 2018

This Labour Day Weekend, get ready for 40 artists to converge behind Fall River Restaurant on HWY 7 in Maberly and create the annual Sundance Artisan Show.

Celebrating their 12th year on the Fall River Restaurant festival grounds, Sundance Artisan Show artists are preparing to show off their latest creations. For those of you new to the show, the outdoor setting is a picturesque backdrop of open field lined by a forest and a lush riverbank with the stone ruins of an old water mill. Under a string of white-canopied tents, 40 artists display their wares for people to enjoy over the three-day Labour Day weekend. “It’s a beautiful time of year, and having it on the long weekend means that locals, visitors, and cottagers can plan an enjoyable outing that will please the whole family,” says Organizer Tess Steenberghe.

With as many different styles as there are artisans, the array of fine art and fine craft is diverse. For your home, you’ll find wooden sculptures and turned bowls, stunning stained glass, glass centre-pieces and décor, pottery, and ceramics. For outdoor art, you’ll find whimsical birdhouses and gargoyle sculptures, colourful furniture, and cleverly-recycled metal garden art. For fashion, you’ll find weaving, creatively-designed jewellery, and hand-designed clothing and hand bags. You’ll have no trouble pleasing every generation of your family in this relaxed and inspiring venue. And, your gift cupboard will be set for the year.

“It’s an opportunity to meet the artists behind the beautiful creations, ask questions, and get a feel for how their craft is made,” explains Volunteer Choleena DiTullio. “One of the beautiful things about a show like this is that you support the artist fully. The artist gets to display the entire expanse of the fruits of their labour, not just the items that a gallery or shop is willing to carry.

You get to see the off-the-wall, unique things that an artisan experimented with or considers their most creative exploration. When you see that perfectly peculiar item, get it! You’re not likely to find it in a shop, so get it now and stash it away for the ideal occasion. And, if your family has a gifting scenario where you draw names from a hat, you’ll be a hero when you volunteer to take the name of that hard-to-buy-for member of the gang!” she says with a chuckle.

Formerly a studio tour, Sundance Artisan Show changed its format in 2005 to evolve into a single-location event on Highway 7 behind Fall River Restaurant in Maberly. Becoming a one-stop venue allows more time to doddle and enjoy the art. Accompanied by tasty offerings from their BBQ, and live music and picnic tables, it’s a great way to spend the day, so mark it on your calendar. The show is open all three days of Labour Day weekend. Parking, facilities, and admittance are free.

Saturday is 10-5, Sunday is 10-5, and Monday is 10-3. For more information and an interactive “flip-book” of the artists, check their website at SundanceStudio.ca.