Annual Toque Craft Fair brings B.C. makers back to Western Front

Ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and fashion accessories are some items that will be sold at this year’s Toque Craft Fair. The craft market returns from Dec. 5 to 7 at Vancouver’s Western Front non-profit artist centre.

The fair is an annual fundraiser that supports the Western Front centre and its artistic programs.

“The aim of the fair is to create a space for artists, craftspeople, and designers in B.C. to showcase and sell their wares in the holiday season,” Western Front Executive Director Susan Gibb says. 

This year’s fair will feature over 60 vendors including Ami Sangha, a BIPOC artist who creates porcelain clay objects, and Jody Lentz from AxeWood Inc., who makes wooden spoons, bowls, and decor pieces using an axe and hand-carving techniques.

Chips Collective, a group of six interdisciplinary artists creating accessories, jewelry, erotic prints, and cards, will also be at the fair.

Other vendors include Corbie Fieldwalker, a filmmaker, fly-fishing guide, and salmon-leather artist who aims to promote ecological awareness, and Cora Hall, a Vancouver-based stained-glass artist.

The opening party on Dec. 5 will feature a cocktail bar by The Woods Spirit Co. in the Grand Luxe Hall and Gallery. There will also be drinks from Please! Beverage Co., Oddity Kombucha, and a food truck from Super Thai.

A Weekend Café at the fair will take place on Dec. 6 and 7 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, featuring a Tacofino food truck, TEALEAVES tea, freshly brewed coffee, and treats by Subo Bakes and Toña Bakery.

The craft market was created by one of the founders of Western Front, ceramicist Glenn Lewis, who started it to support the centre.

It was later rebranded as the Toque Craft Market in the 2010s and has since continued to grow in this direction, Gibb says.

“The admission is by donation, with all money raised at the door going directly to supporting Western Front’s artistic programming and conservation of our heritage building,” Gibb says.

The Toque Craft Fair supports independent artists in B.C., and for many of them, it is the biggest event to showcase their creations to the public and earn income, Gibb says.

“Around 4,000 people come through over the three days. The fair really supports the growth of both their visibility and sustainability.”

The market is also a way for the Western Front centre to connect with the local community in a festive way, while also raising funds to continue activities and programming.

“B.C. has a really incredible tradition of artists and makers, and the fair has a huge focus on profiling that,” Gibb says.

This year’s market plans to be the biggest event held so far, Gibb says, adding that she hopes people will be able to see and enjoy the variety of works at the Western Front heritage building.

“It will be a really unique opportunity for people to get an insight into this heritage building.”

For more information, visit www.toquecraftfair.com.