Blue House Market returns during Pembina Valley Studio Tour this weekend

As part of the Pembina Valley Studio Tour, happening this coming weekend, the Blue House Market is returning for the second year to Altona's Gallery in the Park (GITP). The event will take place Saturday inside the Schwartz House. 

"There's definitely an excitement brewing in the gallery as we start to prepare and bring tables and chairs over for our Blue House Market," explained curator Susie Fisher. "This is our second annual go at this event, and it's increased quite a bit. We're looking forward to having a bunch of people through the gallery, not only for the market, but also to celebrate the Pembina Valley Studio Tour."

The GITP has participated in the Pembina Valley Studio Tour for a number of years, and Fisher noted the Blue House Market was created as away to encourage local artisans to continue to participate. Last year's event attracted around 300 visitors.

"We've seen sort of a decrease in local artists participating, so this was our effort to bring in, or invite folks or artisans, into the Gallery who may not have studio space accessible for the public," she shared. "This gives them a chance to not only have the public see what they make, but also to purchase some fine art and crafts."

More than twenty vendors and artisans will be on site, featuring a wide variety of mediums including pottery, jewelry, candles and much more. Sun Valley Co-op Cafe will also be there providing full barista services. The market takes place inside the Schwartz House, but Fisher noted those attending can still check out the current exhibitions underway, as well as the sculpture garden on the grounds.

"Our feature artist is Patricia Eschuk, she's an artist from Winnipeg," Fisher explained. "Upstairs we have Rosalie Olson, Kerry Enns, Callen Froese and Paulo Delgado, so a great collection of work."

It's free admission to the Blue House Market, which goes from 10am to 6pm.

Looking ahead to Sunday, September 10th, Patricia Eschuk will be at Gallery in the Park at 1p.m. to give an artist talk and tour which will be free to attend and open to all.

You can listen to CFAM Radio 950 Morning Show Co-Host Chris Sumner's conversation with Susie Fisher, below.