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Craft Cartel: A One-of-A-Kind Celebration of Art in Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, is a proud and vibrant community located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Here you’ll find a temperate climate, beautiful vistas, outdoor activity, a dynamic art community, lively entertainment scene, and the Craft Cartel. The Craft Cartel event aims to provide a unique environment where the artisan and creative groups of Victoria can sell their creations and get to know the community. However, this event isn’t only about arts and crafts. You’ll find musicians, producers, and small business owners, all selling their works and looking to network with new people. Craft Cartel is the brainchild of Paige Coull and her team of like minded artisans and designers, that are collectively known as The Congress. Their group shares love for indie crafts, live music, fundraisers, delicious foods, and tasty drinks. All of these passions are melded together for the Craft Cartel.

 

The event itself provides an energetic and fun environment for all those who attend. Displays and booths are filled with colorful and beautiful pieces of art for you to purchase. Live music from local acts fills the air as you meet new people. With over 40 different sellers, you're sure to find items that interest you, regardless of personal taste. This is a show for all ages, so don't hesitate to bring your entire family. Kids will love the kids corner, where they will find free treats and fun crafts to enjoy. Adults will love the social atmosphere, tasty libations, and variety of arts and performances on display. Come and support the growing art community of Victoria and network with an entirely new group of people at Craft Cartel. ResortandLodges.com got the opportunity to interivew Craft Cartel Founder, Paige Coull, about the festival and what it does for the community.

 

RAL: Tell us about Craft Cartel.

PC: This is our third year running Craft Cartel and I would say that each year we’ve gotten a little bit bigger and a lot more awesome.Craft Cartel is a two-day market featuring more than 40 of Vancouver Island's top designers, makers, and artists, in a fun and dynamic atmosphere that includes live music, great food and beer, and activities for kids. As if that weren’t enough, the first 50 people through the door each day will receive an awesome swag bag filled with great pieces from our vendors. Give the gift of quality this season, support the local economy, and celebrate the incredible talent that exists right here in our backyard!

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

PC: We have over 40 artisans each year, organized by a collective of five women artisans and an incredible team of 20 volunteers.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of attendees of Craft Cartel?

PC: This event is for all ages. We have craft beer and cider from our local sponsors, Tofino Brewing, and food from Deadbeetz Food. They are known for having the best burgers in town along with some amazing vegetarian options. There’s also a kids corner with free snacks and crafts, so parents can hang out and enjoy the market while listening to the amazing live music.

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

PC: We showcase local up-and-coming artisans featuring products made with love, and hip designs that are the coolest. There’s a huge range of artisans from glassblowers and ceramists to funky wood-pallet furniture builders. The upbeat atmosphere will entice you to stay and enjoy the event all day with the family. Craft Cartel is never too crowded and always fun for the whole family.

 

RAL: Walk us through the activities of a single day at Craft Cartel.

PC: Craft Cartel is a full-on destination show, with something for everyone. On Friday’s opening night we’ll have the Roland Barret Band performing their mix of original and cover acoustic, toe-tapping folk ballads. Our friends Tofino Brewing will be on hand serving great beer, and the Deadbeetz Food Truck will be serving up their incredible burgers and fantastic vegetarian options. All this is combined with an amazing array of local art and a funky, family-friendly atmosphere. On Saturday, Dug Nugget will be providing the entertainment with their dynamic folk music, which is guaranteed to keep your hips shaking until the taps run dry. On both days there will be a kids corner with free snacks and crafts to keep budding artists busy and entertained.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect for local lodging?

PC: Lodging choices in the area are as varied as the attendees. There are of course bed-and-breakfast options in Victoria, and plenty of them. The downtown options also include everything from the beautiful Swans Hotel, to the guest rooms at Spinnaker’s, and even the opulent Ocean Pointe Resort. There are no specific deals on lodging for Craft Cartel attendees, but off-season rates may apply at many properties.

 

RAL: What does Craft Cartel mean to the community?

PC: Craft Cartel is another way for this central, up-and-coming neighbourhood to showcase all it has to offer, while helping strengthen the local economy. It’s easy to get to with lots of free parking and great bus service. Events like this one are critical in driving business and making it more and more possible for folks to keep more of their money within their own communities. And of course like other smaller community-based events, Craft Cartel helps support the artisans that pour their hearts and souls into their art.

 

RAL: What should people come to Craft Cartel?

PC: Craft Cartel is a collective run by five self-employed area artisans. They’ve worked to tailor this show to be the best possible for the community and for participating artisans. Visitors will be swept up into the vibrant and artistic community. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with the artists. The heart of any community is participation and the arts are no exception. Events like Craft Cartel place a high value on the contributions of local artists and help strengthen communities, both local and global. Just as folks are increasingly interested in knowing who provides their food, Craft Cartel gives us an opportunity to meet the artists who provide some of the beauty that graces our communities.


For more information about Craft Cartel please visit their website.