The most anticipated arts event of the season, the Winter Artisan Show and Sale, is on at the Nicola Valley Arts Gallery and has now been extended until Jan. 23, 2022. 

The Nicola Valley’s most talented local artisans have brought their wares down to the Gallery at 2051 Voght St. 

Textiles, handicrafts, glass, pottery, bath and body and more are all on display and available for purchase from such creators as: Coquihalla Apiaries, Sarah Molnar, Cindilla Trent, Joel Reid, Angelina Brooymans, Twin Willows Glass, Mud Therapy, Beyond Hope Co. and more. 

Wood worker Andrew Rugirok, who lives and works in the small community of Brookmere and has had his unique wood carvings on display at several gallery shows including October’s Baskets and Bowls Exhibition, has donated his work and the proceeds to the Nicola Valley Arts Council for this show and sale. 

“It’s great exposure for the local artisans,” said photographer Angelina Brooymans. 

“A wide variety of the public comes in here for the month of December, everyone is doing their Christmas shopping, so they make a lot more sales than usual, and hopefully that carries over.”

For Brooymans, a retired RN from Vancouver, the creative process is a reward in itself, a way to engage her artistic side. 

“It’s fun,” said Brooymans. 

“And I guess the satisfaction of having the end product, of making something beautiful.” 

Having others appreciate and purchase her work to take home to enliven their space is an “honour”, she added. 

“You feel very good about your work.”