A unique online arts community will gather for the first time ever this weekend in the Harbour City.
On Saturday (Sept. 27) approximately 40 artisans and hand-crafters from Vancouver Island that are part of an online community called Etsy will be selling their artwork at the Nanaimo Museum as part of Etsy Day Canada
According to co-organizer and vendor Jada Bohmer, Etsy Day Canada takes place in 23 cities across the nation and will be a great opportunity for the public to purchase locally made artwork.“Normally you wouldn’t see our stuff live,” said Bohmer, who runs 3 Little Gems Personalized Jewelry in Ladysmith. “So now is the opportunity to see our stuff live.”
Many of the vendors at the show have had their work featured in a number of publications such as Canadian Living,and EcoParent and purchased by celebrities who have appeared on shows such as the The Rachel Ray Show, Access Hollywood and Dr. Phil.
“People would probably not normally know that they [vendors] are here because their presence is only online,” Bohmer said about the event and the caliber of artists.
Her own work, which is personalized hand-stamped pendants, have been purchased by a number of celebrities including Hunter King of Young and the Restless, who was wearing one of Bohmer’s pieces when she received her Daytime Emmy.
Bohmer said co-organizing the event had its challenges, but she is thankful for all the help she received.
“These are Etsy people that are in community, but we had to find them,” she said. “Trying to find these people was a little bit tough, but once we did we got a really amazing group.”
Etsy Day takes place at the Nanaimo Museum on Saturday (Sept. 27) from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. The first 50 people to the event will receive free gift bags.
For more information, please visit www.etsydaynanaimo.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.comTwitter: @npescod