The talent of about 30 local artisans who create works of art using what Mother Earth provides was showcased at the first-ever Gifts of the Forest Marketplace.
Held at the Active Living Centre on Saturday, the event was hosted by Muskoka Conservancy. It featured demonstrations and workshops from artisans from around the Muskoka area who specialize in a variety of different art forms.
Amazing driftwood sculptures, unique furniture art, wood burls made into one-of-a-kind bowls, beautiful wool scarves spun by hand and finely-detailed character carvings into wood were just some of the handmade goods being sold at the market.
There was so much to see – and buy – at the market.
Gifts of the Forest Marketplace was held in conjunction with Muskoka Conservancy’s annual Wildlife Forest Festival, which took place on October 2.
“A lot of the vendors are hobbyists, so they are doing it just because they love to do it,” explained Jenn LeMesurier, Muskoka Conservancy’s property management and volunteer coordinator. “We wanted to do this as an extra. And if it’s popular enough we would like to do this every year, too.”
Pat Orton demonstrated his chainsaw carving, Pam Wedd repaired a canoe, Lynda Coad put a beautiful bouquet together with roadside flowers and plants and Laura Gilmour offered free samples of her organic herbal concoctions. Almost every vendor there was demonstrating their skill. There was also a special workshop held to make your own medicine pouch.
Muskoka Conservancy works to protect 36 properties totalling almost 2,400 acres of sensitive wetlands, forests, rock barrens and shorelines. For more information about Muskoka Conservancy visit www.muskokaconservancy.org.
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