Held over the Labour Day holiday weekend - Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, the Artisans鈥� Festival at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens has been created to provide artisans and artists with an opportunity to showcase their work in a setting that will enhance even the smallest creation.
This annual event, now in its 22 year, also provides an opportunity for visitors to shop for a unique hand crafted piece that fits their lifestyle or will become a treasured gift.
Located just a 15 minute drive north of Courtenay on the Old Island Highway, the gardens are one of the jewels of Vancouver Island鈥檚 many attractions. Many local residents are quite familiar with the gardens as they offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Taking advantage of the many bark-mulch covered paths that wind their way throughout the nearly 25 acres, a stroll through the gardens provides a welcome relief for those who have discovered the magical quality shrubs and flowers provide in a natural setting; there鈥檚 even a labyrinth to help get you centred.
When it comes to the festival it is a not only a great opportunity to enjoy the garden鈥檚 ambience but the eclectic mix of what the many exhibitors have to offer. From wooden bowls turned out of exotic burls, to hand crafted glass vessels, unique garden sculptures to pottery that is both beautiful and functional, along with hand crafted jewellery, clothing, fine art and works created in a variety of styles and materials.
Visitors to the show in the past have found that it is a great way to pick up a few items for those hard to buy for friends and relatives. Others use it to get a head start on Christmas shopping and even more see it as an opportunity to just simply treat themselves to a work of art that gives them pleasure.
Along with the wonderful displays of the artisans and Mother Nature, the festival is also about entertainment and providing a venue for some very talented musicians to play for an audience.
Located throughout the gardens at various stages and under canopies visitors can tap their toes to the music of Bruce & Judy Wing, Anela Kahiamore, Luke Blue Guthrie, Canuck Country and David Somers to name just a few.
No festival is complete without food and visitors will find various concessions in the food court located near the entrance. From wood fired pizza to healthy dragon bowls, delicious crepes to pretzels and of course to complete the experience of eating in the great outdoors hamburgers and hot dogs.
鈥淥ver the years, we have had an incredible number of artisans take part in the festival," says Bryan Zimmerman, owner of the gardens.
"Some of the exhibitors have been with us since the first festival but we find that each year there are always a good number of new exhibitors. Because of this, the festival is constantly changing but the quality and craftsmanship always remains high.鈥�
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Regular admission rates apply.
For more information about Woodland Gardens visit the website at or call 250-338-6901.
