Who We Are
Hand Made Here Artist Collective is a community of artists in the Calgary area who banded together to put on a high quality, curated, annual holiday show & sale. We are passionate about our art/craft and advocate strongly for all things gloriously made by hand. Our current organizers are Anna Burger-Martindale and Susanah Windrum.
What You Need to Know
Hand Made Here Artist Collective welcomes artists and artisans who create fine craft in many different mediums including:
- Ceramics
- Jewellery
- Woodworking
- Fibre Arts
- Mixed Media
- Metal
- Small Paintings
- Printmaking
- & More!
We are a juried show. A jury committee chooses artists that create high quality goods in a variety of mediums and ensures a balanced, diverse sale by preventing an overload of any one medium for that year.
All work must be hand made or created by the vendors. No commercial or mass produced work is allowed. Exceptions may be made for a small percentage of a vendor’s goods that are small run production based on original artworks by the artist such as greeting cards, limited edition prints, stickers etc.
As a collective, Hand Made Here does not profit off its vendors as is the case in many other styles of markets or sales. Rather, all participants are responsible for paying a base fee to cover operating costs (hall rental, printing costs etc.) and completing a volunteer task to make the sale run smoothly. We do offer an alternative fee for participants who are unable to commit to a volunteer task.
* Please note that as an artist collective, Hand Made Here would not be possible without everyone chipping in to do the work. We rely heavily on the collective efforts of our artists and volunteers to make this sale a positive experience for everyone. This fee option is for artists who are unable to contribute or commit to a volunteer task.
Artist/Vendor Expectations
- Treat everyone including fellow artists, volunteers and customers with kindness and respect.
- Communicate with organizers in a timely manner.
- Pay required fees by the stated deadline or make alternative arrangements with organizers.
- Complete the volunteer task you committed to. Communicate to others on your team. Find someone to replace you if necessary.
- Provide the Hand Made Here social media team with requested information and promotional materials within a timely manner.
- Create an appealing display. This includes presenting your wares in a professional and tidy manner. Tablecloths must be floor length, with any unsightly items tucked away and hidden. Festive decorating that fit the holiday are welcomed.
- All vendors are responsible for handling their own sales and are required to provide appropriate payment options. This can include cash, Square readers or alternative payment system, or e-transfers. Wifi is available at the Triwood Community Center.
- Vendors are required to provide their own professional looking packaging or wrapping for their goods.
- Advertise the sale and spread the word! Promote the sale through your email lists, websites, social media platforms, business connections etc. Hand Made Here promotes the sale through its own means as well, but the more we all get the word out – the more we will all benefit.
Ready to Apply?
Great! We are always excited to hear from potential new members. Please fill out and submit the form below.
Note: Hand Made Here has a capacity of 25 – 32 vendors at the Triwood Community Center. We only accept a limited number of artists for each sale to maintain the quality and integrity of the sale. If your application is not accepted, reasons and/or recommendations will be provided as to why.
Please also submit 3-5 images of the type work you intend to present/sell at Hand Made Here by sending them to handmadehereyyc1@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest!
Once the Jury Committee has had a chance to review your application, you will be contacted regarding your acceptance into this year’s show & sale. If you are accepted, you will be sent the list of volunteer jobs available for sign up, promotional materials and payment information.
If you have any other questions, please contact us at handmadehereyyc1@gmail.com