November is that time of year when Art Gallery Kimberley transforms into a festive Christmas art market. People can gear up for Christmas by shopping at this art market in the cosy and merry downtown of B.C.’s Best Small Town: Kimberley.

Owner and operator of the gallery, Irma de Visser, came up with the idea of organizing a pop-up Christmas art market after she decided to start her own art gallery in the space that for decades used to be the laundromat. Irma knew the renovations would still be in full swing come Christmas, but she thought it would be fun to take a leap of faith and organize a market in the unfinished space, not knowing what this would look like exactly. It worked out very well, and many local artists got to showcase and sell their creations.

After opening the gallery four months after wrapping up the first Christmas art market, Irma decided to host a mini version of the Christmas market in the (solo) art exhibition space in the gallery, and to make this an annual event.

The 2023 Christmas Art Market is the third edition of this celebration of art and the Holidays where people can find the perfect gifts for their loved ones and perhaps a little something special for themselves.

With many talented artists and artisans in the area and limited space, selecting the vendors for the market is challenging. Fortunately, there are several art markets being held in the region, so lots of opportunities for creatives to show and sell. The gallery’s Christmas art market will be open daily starting on Saturday, November 18 and will run until December 24.

The vendors at this year’s event are: Grant Smith, Jolene Miner, Joseph Cross, Sam Millard (How Original Art), Sharon Cross, Tammy Morrison-Koenig (Eclectic Studio Tammy), and Terry Anne Wilson. Visitors can expect to find a nice selection of fine art; giclées/digital prints; wreaths; ornaments; pottery; books; poetry; art cards; gem soaps; notebooks/journals; homewares; wearables; and more.

Connecting artists with each other and the community is what brings Irma the most joy while organising an event like the Christmas art market. There will be an opportunity for this during the opening reception on Saturday, November 18 between 7 and 9 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to join in a fabulous evening at the gallery with Mary Virgin Gin cocktails by Bohemian Spirits (by donation to the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank Society); food; music; and lots of great art and crafts.

The opening hours for the 2023 Christmas Art Market are Sunday through Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can find “The Laundromat” – home of Art Gallery Kimberley – at 167 Deer Park Avenue, right in the heart of Kimberley.

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