Emerging Artists Craft Family Tradition

Ramona Froehle-Schacht has witnessed several ups and downs in the craft sector since she began producing the Out of Hand Craft Fair in Victoria, BC 25 years ago. “One exciting new trend is the emergence of second generation artisans.”

“For these young people, their craft is almost part of their DNA; they grew up surrounded by the tools and products of the medium. Their knowledge of the craft is inherited and this expertise is reflected in the spirited and contemporary products they create.”

One such artist is Lori MacDonald of Ironwood Bowls. Initially a stone carver, MacDonald honed her skills in the Inuit community of Tuktoyaktuk, NWT before picking up her father’s passion for the fine art of bowl turning.

She and her father now work side-by-side transforming Canadian hardwoods into artistic and practical heirlooms meant to be handed down for generations. “This passing of a skill from generation to generation is akin to the great craft houses in Europe. They are preserving our heritage,” notes Froehle-Schacht.

Like MacDonald, Renee Sala has entered the family business. In her case, she brings a fresh approach to the traditional medium of clay. This year, she makes her first appearance at Out of Hand, a fair that has featured the work of her mother, studio potter Barb Springer, in the past.

Other highlights of the fair include the third annual show of work from the Vancouver Island Woodworkers Guild, Gourmet Lane and live entertainment on Sunday in addition to natural body care products, kids’ gifts, jewellery, clothing and handbags.

November 24th to 27th – Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas St.)

Nov. 24th: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Nov. 25th: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Nov. 26th: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Nov. 27th: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Adults, $6; Senior/Student Days on Thursday & Friday, $5; Fair Pass, $7; Under 16, free

Out of Hand offers wheelchair access, a mother’s room, a coat/parcel check (run by Santa’s Anonymous), bank machine and central credit card service.

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Photos available. For media enquiries, call Shelley Motz at (250) 588-3899.
Further information is available at www.outofhand.ca.