From homespun to hip,
if it’s handmade, you’ll find it here.

(Vancouver BC): Under the sails of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, there exists a new generation of craft show — a place where, from November 11 — 16, 2008 you can find unique gifts that are appreciated as much for their quality and inventiveness as the thoughtfulness behind them. Now in its thirty-fourth year, the Circle Craft Christmas Craft Market attracts some 40,000 people eager to discover the creations of 263 artisans from across Canada (48 NEW this year!) — who are individually selected based on talent and diversity.

As Western Canada’s largest one-of-a-kind gift fair, the Circle Craft Christmas Market offers a tremendous assortment of carefully handcrafted work for sale direct from the artists: exquisite jewellery, designer threads, hot home décor; delicious jams, chocolates and other holiday treats; woodcarving, soaps and candles; and so much more! Sophisticated or folky, woven, knitted, painted, potted, hammered, spun, sewn, twisted, turned, canned, brewed or baked, you’ll find something for even the hardest to please on your list.

Among this year’s highlights:

Student Art Exhibition 2008 will officially kick off the 35^th Annual Circle Craft Christmas Market on Tuesday, November 11th and be on display through November 16^th, 2008. This display is an exciting showcase celebrating student creativity and featuring over 120 works of young people in Grades 9 – 12. Participating schools include Gleneagle Secondary (Coquitlam), Riverside Secondary (Coquitlam), Burnaby North Secondary (Burnaby), McNair Secondary (Richmond), Walnut Grove Secondary (Langley), Elgin Park Secondary (Surrey), South Delta Secondary (Delta), Argyle Secondary (North Vancouver) and Lord Byng (Vancouver).

A wide range of artistic techniques will be featured including mixed media, sculpture, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, and illustration. This exhibition is presented by Circle Craft Co-operative and generously sponsored by Opus Framing & Art Supplies.

An Entertainment Stage featuring performances by Arts Umbrella Dance Company, Royal City Ballet, Donna Fishwick Piano Ensemble, ZING! Children's Choir and many other local musical and dance groups. Also, back by popular demand: Totally Amazing Glass Show with hot glass demonstrations by some of Western Canada’s finest glass artists.

In the spirit of the season, shoppers are invited to visit The Sharing Tree, where a $2 donation earns a chance to win a fabulous holiday for two. And all visitors are given the chance to enter a draw for a $1000 Shopping Spree.

The Circle Craft Christmas Market is about connecting a new generation of consumers with the creative artists and artisans who can provide an interactive, entertaining shopping experience. It’s definitely not your old school craft fair.

35th Annual Circle Craft CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET
Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre: 999 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
Tuesday, November 11 to Sunday, November 16, 2008
Hours: Tues, Wed, Thur & Fri: 10am to 9pm* / Sat: 10am to 7pm / Sun: 10am to 5pm
Tickets: $12 Adult / $8 Student & Senior / Kids under 12 FREE /
NEW: Unlimited free re-admission with RE-ENTRY pass (non-transerable)

Media Contact: Karen Green, Rebus Creative: 604.684.8294