Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/810732
tourismvancouver.com 45 CLOCKWISE: JON SHAW, CARLOS MBONMATÍ (SOPHIA KIM), OLE ORIGINALS, JOEY ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHY (HEATHER BRAUN DAHL) Sophia Kim's bark-styled tableware B oasting the highest concentration of artists in Canada, Vancouver's maker culture rocks for two major reasons: locals love supporting fresh ideas and artisans are devoted to perfecting their cra. Discover some of the top talents around town and find a sweet souvenir to take home. Buy local Vancouver's makers and artisans offer unique goods Meander three markets, each with a distinctive atmosphere. Art on the island: Granville Island is a mecca for working artisans, many of which showcase and sell their work from their open studios scattered throughout the island's streets and lanes. Jewellers, potters, fashion designers and glass blowers all ply their crafts here. One must-see artisanal hub is Craft Council of BC's Crafthouse Gallery. Chic among the cobblestones: For high-chic originals, Gastown stocks your must-haves at boutiques such as Charlie & Lee, Nouvelle Nouvelle and One of a Few. Look for Lindsey Hampton's pastel-rimmed and speckled ceramics, plus Quench Designs' gold-cast salal-leaf and cedar-frond jewellery. Revolution's on the wall: Want art that reveals the beauty in truth? Stride strong-willed Commercial Drive to find June Hunter's emblematic images of dark crows. Closer to Trout Lake, you'll find Second Nature Home Boutique, stocking organic soaps, linens and black walnut amulets by Stark Nature. Put some irony on it: From East Broadway to 33rd Avenue, Main Street offers an all-hits lineup of indie boutiques. Pick up reclaimed-wood record crates by Hobo Woodworks or InnerFire yoga pants and Veespoke's scarves at shops like Nineteen Ten, Giving Gifts & Company Store and Bird on a Wire. 1 Gourmet goods: For well- finished fineries, demos and tastings, head to Circle Craft Market. Every November curated selections in pottery, glassblowing, leatherwork and more fill the Vancouver Convention Centre with tempting gifts. Look for collaged quilts by Lorna Moffat, birch bark–styled tableware by Sophia Kim and lunar pendants by metalsmith Jessie Phoenix. 2 A pint while you ponder: In an upbeat atmosphere of music, beer and food trucks, Make It! The Handmade Revolution, hosted at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), showcases collections from 250 local crafters. During the annual event in April, Look for funky mixed-media prayer flags by Judy Mojo, pop-bright bowls by FeltCandy and screen printed tees by Ole Originals. 3 Footprints in the sawdust: Meet the makers face-to-face by joining 20,000 other curious collectors on the Eastside Culture Crawl in November when more than 400 artists open their studios. Heather Braun Dahl, for instance, showcases her Dahlhaus colour- Jon Shaw's Icey Chomp Ole Originals ARTFUL ENCLAVES Find works infused with the neighbourhoods' local character. blocked ceramics, while Jon Shaw's watercolour paintings of alleys in uplifting hues can be seen in The Mergatroid Building, a space shared by dozens of artisans.