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New West Craft heading online this weekend

New West Craft heading online this weekend By Theresa McManus A virtual market is highlighting some of the artisans who normally meet customers face-to-face at New West Craft.
New West Craft Night Market
New West Craft Night is taking the show online this weekend with a digital market, instead of its regular event at River Market.

New West Craft heading online this weekend

 

By Theresa McManus

 

A virtual market is highlighting some of the artisans who normally meet customers face-to-face at New West Craft.

The Arts Council of New Westminster presents New West Craft, which is normally held on the first and third Saturday of every month at River Market. The artisan market features a variety of “makers” including jewelers, crafters and knitters.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, New West Craft and River Market joining forces to present a virtual market on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Laura Grady, program coordinator for the Arts Council of New Westminster, said the first virtual market was a success and she’s thrilled to be doing it again.

"New West Craft has become a well-loved little market for both shoppers and local artisans,” she said. “The virtual market is a way for the Arts Council of New Westminster and River Market to continue to support and value the work of the makers, artists and artisans who make our market great. It is also a fun way for us to maintain our connection with the community and boost our call to support local during this time if you are able."

This weekend’s virtual market will feature more than 30 local New West Craft artisans.

“Each artisan will have their own story showcasing their handmade items and any special discounts or deals they are offering. I will be posting a new artisan image every 10 minutes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shoppers and browsers can follow along all day! If they find something they like, they click through to the artisan's Instagram page and can contact them directly or click on the link in the artisan's profile that will take them to their website,” Grady explained in an email to the Record. “Instagram stories will be the main focus, but the New West Craft Instagram page and Facebook page will also highlight each participating artisan.”

River Market will also be sharing New West Craft stories to its Instagram stories.

“River Market is supporting virtual New West Craft because we recognize that Covid-19 has impacted our local artisans who are also our friends and neighbours,” said Alice Cavanagh, a member of River’s Market’s administration team. “This program is a fantastic opportunity to make connections between artisans and the community who would like to support them.”