Calgary: Arts, Crafts, Commerce

CALGARY, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - November 15th to 18th will mark the 26th annual Calgary Art Market Art and Craft Sale at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. What began as a 40 table show in 1986 has expanded to include more than 200 Canadian craftspeople who have the chance to showcase their work in everything from porcelain, leatherwork and fashion, to woodwork and exotic jewelry. While Art Market gives shoppers the chance to find one-of-a-kind goods, it gives Calgary the chance to build its cultural profile.

Art Market is all about creating a rewarding and unique shopping experience. "The consumers who support Art Market are those shopping outside of the box and looking for something special," says Marlene Loney, Art Market promoter. "We recognize that people have busy lives, so we work hard to make sure time spent at Art Market is special."

That unique experience begins with event organizers carefully screening artisans in order to ensure there is quality and variety. With many artisans travelling across Canada to showcase their work, it offers that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find and buy one-of-a-kind goods.

The quality goods combined with the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre's (CTCC) great facilities and dedicated staff creates just the right atmosphere for the successful event. "Hosting our event at the CTCC gives our artisans access to a very urban-city clientele who appreciate the quality and diversity of the work being presented," says Loney. Held just before the holiday season, Art Market allows shoppers to pick up original gifts ranging anywhere from $10 to $5000.

While the event provides a great shopping opportunity, it also helps the city nurture its cultural side while providing a healthy economic boost. With 20,000 Calgarians attending the annual event, the city benefits from advertising revenues, dining, parking fees and more. It's great for the artisans too, who can negotiate business arrangements with local galleries and retailers and build their business beyond the event.

Art Market Art and Craft Sale is open Thursday November 15th through Sunday November 18^th with admission covering unlimited show access for all four days, plus the chance to win one of six $1000 Gift Showcases. The website, artmarketcraftsale.com, features full event details, interviews, artist biographies, videos, and holiday gift ideas.

While it takes quality craftsmen to create a successful Art Market, Calgary also offers the right location, the right audience, and the right venue - the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre has been one of Canada's premier convention and meeting facilities since opening its doors in 1974. Operated by the Calgary Convention Centre Authority on behalf of the City of Calgary its mandate is to market, manage and operate in an efficient and competitive manner in order to maximize overall economic benefits to the City of Calgary.

SOURCE: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

For interviews or further information, please contact:
Heather Lundy
Director of Marketing
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]