For 50 years the Circle Craft collective has showcased B.C. arts

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The Circle Craft Cooperative is an artist-run organization that operates both a flagship store in Granville Island’s Net Loft and the gargantuan Circle Craft Holiday Market at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. The shop and event are both mainstays of the local arts and cultural scene.

The co-op’s origins date to its founding in 1973 and incorporation in 1974.

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With a simple mission statement “to support and promote the work of co-operative members, as well as excellence in British Columbia craft,” Circle Craft generates in excess of $1.3 million in annual sales representing over 130 member artists from across the province working in everything from fashion and ceramics to jewellery and much more.

On Sept. 13, the co-op celebrated 50 years in operation with a commemorative event.

Acting board president and member wood artist Corin Flood talked about the co-op’s past and future as it celebrates five decades of dynamic creatives.

Here are five takeaways from that discussion:

1. The beginnings: Circle Craft evolved from a hippie-era movement arts and crafts fairs into a pooling of resources to get organized so artists’ works got in front of customers with more means to purchase them. I

It started in Victoria in 1973, but moved to Vancouver by 1977, with the realization that it could be a year-round pursuit. The first location was off Gassy Jack Square in Gastown.

When Granville Island opened, so did the store in that great location that it has enjoyed ever since.

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2. The holiday market: That was the first focus of the co-op, holding the first Christmas market held at the Cultch.

In 1987, the Circle Craft Christmas Market established itself at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, where it continues going strong to this very day.

The holiday market is the largest of its kind in the province and enjoys a very good reputation for high quality participants.

3. Quality equals longevity: From my perspective as a maker, I would say that the holiday show and the store are the pinnacle of what’s out there in B.C.

Ever since I first came to Granville Island, I have always stopped at that store and it has remained the main vendor of the lively crafts culture that has always been a part of Granville Island’s makeup.

The selection of all different types of art on display and for sale has kept things interesting.

4. Being a co-op creator: There have been so many artists who have come through the co-op and many have become quite famous. A prime example would be potter Gordon Hutchens, who has been a member since the late 1970s and has gone on to exhibit his raku and salt glaze stonewares across Canada.

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There are all sorts of people who have come and gone through the system and become very well-known.

It keeps perpetuating itself, as we just signed up a new member named Duncan Tweed in Salmon Arm who is a relatively recent graduate starting out on his professional career as a potter.

There is a wide range of artists who have chosen to pursue a working craft represented.

5. What the future holds: Circle Craft has always been very selective of the artists it represents and requires that they be the makers and not use prefabricated parts. They go to some measures to insure that artists are working in their own studios on their work and, due to their status, can be very discerning in what they represent.

Without a doubt, that is a key to the success and the return business at both the store, which has the best of B.C., and at the holiday market which represents the best people from across Canada.

Be sure to circle the 50th anniversary Circle Craft Holiday Market on your calendars. This year’s event runs from Nov. 6 to 10.

sderdeyn@postmedia.com

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