The annual Art Market Craft Sale returns to the Calgary Telus Convention this November with more than 200 Canadian artisans ready to fill the large space with creativity, craftsmanship and a multitude of handmade products.
The true soul of the Art Market Craft Sale lies in its commitment to handmade work, offering Calgarians a chance to meet extremely talented makers and artists from across the country, says market director, producer and owner, Nichole Windblad.
Windblad is the second owner of this beloved family business; the market was passed down through her family when she took the reins in 2014.
“The market is 39 years old this year, started by my auntie Marlene Loney in 1986,” she said, which is why she is so passionate about the impact the market has on the community.
“We feature all-Canadian works of art and craft, with a high amount of hands-on manipulation in each piece. We have artisans all the way from Vancouver Island, the Yukon, to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland,” said Windblad.
“We pride ourselves on featuring artisans who work primarily by hand,” she continues. “It’s about less automation and more transformation — from design to creation, directly to the customer’s hands.”
Every piece showcased is created by artists who pour their skill, time, and stories into their craft. The diversity of categories is unparalleled.
“From fashion designers hand-painting one-of-a-kind garments to functional pottery, wooden sculptures, aromatherapy goods, and even small-batch food and spirits, each artisan brings their own twist to tradition,” said Windblad.
“You might find a jeweller who moulds silver using impressions from forest leaves. “So you’re not just wearing a design — you’re wearing a piece of British Columbia.”
Throughout the four-day show, visitors can witness creativity unfold right before their eyes: pottery being shaped, leather being stitched, wood being carved, and metal being sculpted.
These live demonstrations turn the market into a living gallery, where every booth feels like a miniature studio.
“You’re not just seeing the finished product — you’re meeting the person behind it,” said Windblad. “When you buy something here, the maker can tell you where the leather came from, why they chose that glaze, or how they dyed the fabric. It’s a connection made tangible.”
Calgary ceramic sculptor Bob Acton enjoys participating in the Art Market Craft Sale. He finds it inspiring to stand alongside so many talented makers. The event challenges him to refine his craft and introduces his work to new audiences.
“Making art is deeply rewarding on a personal level, but for artists, it’s also important to make the studio financially sustainable,” he said. “The Art Market Craft Show helps bridge that gap by connecting artists directly with the people who value and collect their work. High-quality markets like this one are essential for artistic, creative and financial growth, and for keeping our city’s creative community vibrant and thriving.”
Calgary glass artist and sculptor Ted Schneider echoes Acton’s sentiments that there is no other market quite like this one for makers.
“I think that the most important aspect of being at the Art Market is to be able to connect with your clients on an intimate level,” said Schneider.
“One-on-one conversations about the creative process of your work and being able to describe how the work came to be give great value to the prospective client.”
This year’s highlights
This is the only show Art Market produces in the entire country with four days of live music, a date night, cocktail hour, around-the-clock live demonstrations, and giveaways, according to Windblad.
Date Night at Art Market takes over the first two nights, November 20 and 21. Visitors can enjoy two-for-one admission from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., complete with a chef-attended dinner station, a curated menu, and the debut of the show’s signature cocktail, The Artisan.
“We wanted to give people a reason to slow down, make a night of it and experience art in a more intimate, social way,” Windblad said.
And, of course, the timing couldn’t be better. With the holidays on the horizon, Art Market is the perfect place to find a handcrafted gift.
“When you think you have that hard-to-buy-for person, this is where you’ll find something truly unique. There’s something for everyone — every age, every budget. And if you can’t find exactly what you want, chances are someone will custom-make it for you.”
The Art Market Craft Sale runs from November 20 to 23 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary. Tickets and event details are available at artmarketcraftsale.com.
Upcoming craft markets
Millarville Christmas Market
Ongoing since 1988, this market is your Christmas pre-game, just a short jaunt outside of town. And don’t miss the Kids Only Shoppe on Saturdays and Sundays, where all profits are distributed between Foothills schools to their hot lunch programs.
November 6-9 and 13-16
Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society | millarvilleracetrack.com
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
This market stands out for several reasons: vendors are categorized by the products they sell, making the shopping experience much easier, and it features both indoor and outdoor shopping areas. Plus, there’s a “Festival of Flavours” at Congress Hall!
November 14 to 16; 21 to 23; and 28 to 30
Spruce Meadows | sprucemeadows.com
Holiday Inglewood Night Market
Crossroads Market hosts this yearly tradition, featuring more than 50 rotating local vendors offering handmade crafts, vintage clothing, antiques, and more. There’s also adult bevvies, artisan eats, live music, and vibes you can’t beat.
November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29
Quonset at Crossroads Market | inglewoodnightmarket.myshopify.com
Bowness Holiday Craft Fair
Did you know that Bowness used to be its own town, before being annexed into Calgary in 1964? Those small-town vibes live on today, and this craft fair is a great way to introduce yourself to the Bownesian community (and see the main trip all nicely lit up)
November 15 and 16
Bowness Community Association | mybowness.com
Little Modern Market
Self-described as “a local market, bringing people together,” LMM was founded by Melissa Gaylard and is dedicated to keeping things small, local, and modern.
November 22
Red & White Club | littlemodernmarket.com
Glenbrook Holiday Makers Market
Back by popular demand, the Glenbrook Holiday Makers Market is another Christmas warm-up for the entire family. Expect festive feels, handmade gifts for your cranky uncle, and so much more.
November 22
3524 45 St. S.W.
Granary Road Christmas Market
This market rules because of the number of dates it runs. Forgot to get a head start on the gift shopping? No worries, the Granary Road is open well into December. Plus, there’ alpacas. ‘Nuff said.
November 22, 23, 29, and 30; December 6, 7, 13, and 14
Granary Road | granaryroad.com
Under $100 Art Show
Prints, ceramics, jewelry; find it all and more for under a hundy at this aptly-named market. Promises made, promises kept! There’s also an Under $200 extension for those with slightly deeper pockets and bigger art pieces.
December 4 to 7 and 11 to 14
Location TBD | www.under100artshow.com
Market Collective
Hitting MC, browsing through wacky ceramics, and grabbing some intimidating-sounding hot sauce is a Calgary hipster holiday tradition, and this year promises to be no different. There’s just something about the vibe and the air in the hall that screams, “It’s snowing, let’s get cozy.”
December 5 to 7 and 12 to 14
BMO Centre Hall D | marketcollective.ca
