The finest selection of work by local crafts­people, artisans and artists is on display with a smorgasbord of original and unique work found nowhere else in the city. Or even the country. The National Farm Direct Association voted the Calgary Farmers’ Market number one on the continent the in 2007. Didn’t know your city was hiding this fantastic treasure trove? Check it out Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Homeware
Anyone who enjoys a good cuppa will appreciate Totalitea. Here you will find “everything you need for tea,” says owner David Pidhirney, from the tea itself to an expansive array of teapots and cups. “What’s really been a big hit is flower tea in glass teapots,” says Pidhirney to recent trends in tea.

For a truly unique piece of homeware that combines art with function, pick up a plate, platter, wine stopper or wall hanging from Gorgeous Glass. This whimsical artwork is made locally in Turner Valley using kiln-formed glass and fused dichroic processes to create dazzling items that shimmer and sparkle “with vibrant and bright colours as seen in opals or peacock feathers.” Pieces incorporating reds and blues have been fairly popular this season, according to owner Doug Pickles. His wife, Glennie McKirdy, hand-makes the fantastic jewellery and giftware and the couple assures each piece is one of a kind.

Along with a selection of furniture, Earth ’n Wear co-operative stocks hand-crafted pottery cookware. Both beautiful and functional, the pieces are handmade and will last virtually a lifetime according to their creator. Standard casseroles, dishes, plates, teapots, butter dishes, mugs and jugs are joined by more innovative items. Sets can be made up to match your décor. Eden Essentials is a great stop if you’re looking for that little something to add some interest to a room. They stock primarily natural bath, body and home goods (such as delicious Rocky Mountain Soap goodies), but also a number of other eclectic bits and pieces. For a light with a special touch, try a Himalayan salt lamp, which looks like glowing lumps of rose quartz, which reportedly releases ions that combat depression, allergies and odours. A smaller one is available for as little as $15 and you can get a 65-pound hunk for $120. Similarly, they stock Selenite lamps, which look like glowing white icebergs. Dorothy Holmes, who owns the store with her husband Barry, says that these lights are especially popular with men, and jokes it’s as a result of the resemblance to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. These lamps go from $59 and up. Incenses, diffusers, aromatherapy and essential oils are also available to give your home a pleasant smell, along with an assortment of candles and holders, bowls, coasters and other locally-made goods. Eden Essentials also stocks an assortment of natural and eco-friendly laundry stuff, including Nellie’s laundry soda, nuggets and dryer balls. And finally, for a funky touch of humour in your home, grab a Shnozz Kleenex dispenser for $20. These hilarious holders look like solemn moai statues or wild animals—but dispense tissue out their noses!

To add a hand-painted touch to your kitchen, check out Thermann’s Rainbow Glass. Glasses of all shapes and sizes, carafes, pitchers and vases are colourfully hand painted in non-toxic French paint, then fired in an oven at 320F. It’s all dishwasher-safe, and colour combos can be chosen to go with your present décor scheme.

If a flirt of European flair tickles your fancy, swing by Miss Bijoux. Owner and craftsman Anthony Colombo travels to Italy to create his blown-glass vases, freeform art glass and jewelry, asserting, “Italian glass is known for its high quality and unique look.” Grab a fused glass platter for $60.

Furniture
Earth ’n Wear co-operative covers a number of bases beyond the stoneware pottery. Crafts­woman Anna Carnell makes art out of stone with her stone-craft mosaic tables, wall sculptures, mirrors and other items. Using stones like slate, granite and travertine with other textures such as glass and fossils or funky additions like bicycle parts, she fashions durable table tops which she joins to bases made by other artisans. Tables incorporating fossils are her most popular item, she says, which can be custom made for in and around $1,500. Her wall hangings deal predominantly with Rocky Mountain wildlife, for a local touch, and can be made for the outdoors.

Also available at the co-operative is provincial-style furniture made to order. Well put-together, closets, wine-cabinets, chairs and the like are given an antique look by A La Provence.

DH Fine Furniture is offering the real deal when it comes to handcrafted solid wood fur­-niture. “We founded the business on the idea that good quality, solid wood furniture can be affordable to people,” says co-owner Lanette Holmstrom. Coffee tables, media centres, desks and cabinets are made with thoughtful additions and no shortcuts taken on quality. The company guarantees their work, and if it can’t be fixed, they’ll make you a new one!

The furniture from Peek-a-boo in the Denim Dazzlers stall looks as if straight out of a children’s storybook. Bright, funky, polka-dotted chairs and chests of drawers have trails of curious little ants climbing about them in trademark style. Much of the furniture is refurbished, and often have sweet philosophies printed on.

Artwork
If you find art in life, make your life into art. James Ye with 1 +7 Art Studio can whip up a portrait from a photograph or live subject in ten to 15 minutes for $20. In addition, hand-drawn pictures of your favourite famous icons are a steal at $15 apiece. Alternatively, get an original oil recreation of your favourite classic painting, and bring Van Gogh, Gaugan or Dali into your home.

If photographs are more your thing, get a vibrant print of a local landscape or wildlife from artist Ursula A. Krol at the Wild Orchids stall. Krol shares her passion for Alberta’s nature in pictures of wildflowers, mushrooms, birds and scenery. Small 11-inch by 14-inch framed prints are $55, and range to $98 for a larger 16-inch by 20-inch picture. Unframed art works are at lower prices. For a new take on contemporary art, Artistically Inclined offers original artworks for the home or workplace. The pieces, printed on canvas or paper, are originally done in ink, then digitised and printed giclée style.

A local artist offers a classic medium with local content. At Paintings In Dots in the loft of the Farmers’ Market, visual artist Jim Pescott renders his own version of pointillism to depict flowing landscapes that encompass his belief that “everything on the earth is connected, nothing is solitary.” “There aren’t many pointillists left in the world,” notes Pescott of his unique work. Pescott has finished pieces for sale, and also does works for commission.

Yan Q. Yu has bought the craft of the Orient to Calgary with mind-bogglingly intricate hand-­crafted silk embroideries at Yuhu Creations Inc. They are locally made with silk from china, and feature an extensive variety of subject matter, from traditional, to classic paintings and wildlife. Pieces are available from as little as $39, and there is an option for custom works.

All that glitters is glass at the spark-ling Glasswurks kiosk. Local artist Laura Fenton creates framed artwork and platters from recycled glass and frames, also incorporating elements from the earth such as mixed agates, crystals, and geodes. Fenton has recently been commissioned to do a piece for the Alberta Children’s Hospital.  CL

Visit http://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca for more information