Dear Editor,

In the fall of 1989, a group of like-minded artisans came together with the thought of offering their wares year-round. Looking back, it doesn’t seem possible that it’s been 25 years.

From its humble beginning at Louise and Hector Fountain Balloon Place on the corner of Garcia and Nicola to our current location at 2074 Quilchena Ave., Creative Company has seen 136 very talented artisans participate in the store.

“Some have stayed for a few months, others for years.,” said Almerina Rizzardo, who was at that first meeting back in 1989.

Along the way, we have met some wonderful people who have supported the arts and crafts movement. Evelynn and George Armstrong allowed us to renovate and occupy a building in what is now Spirit Square. Five years ago, Frank and Almerina Rizzardo offered the use of our best location ever – downtown on Quilchena.

Creative Company is run like a co-op with a focus on sharing our skills and learning new ones from one another. We encourage our artisans to bring their wares to the store and demonstrate how the items they will ultimately sell are made.

In the past 25 years, Creative Company has used its talented people to design and decorate for MSS grad ceremonies, conferences, pageants, and seminars. We have participated in downtown activities like the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, Winterfest and Rodeo Days. We donate on a regular basis to local groups such as the food bank, Rotary Clubs and Tumbleweed Playschool.

From silversmith Richard Tenisch’s one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery to Brenda Homer’s 3-D cards, Creative Company’s 10 members produce home-made, hand-made things for you.

We are very proud to be an active member of the community and thank all who have stopped in to shop at our store. By supporting your local artisans, you are supporting your friends, your neighbours and ultimately your community.

We are always seeking new artisans, so if you feel you would like to join our successful local arts and crafts group, please stop in and talk to one of our members. A big thank you to the community for supporting us throughout the years and we look forward to serving you in the future.

Almerina Rizzardo on behalf of Creative Company

Merritt