For 32 years the Circle Craft Christmas Market has been a vibrant part of the arts community, from its small beginnings in Victoria as a fibre fair to its current five day artisan market at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. Featuring over 260 artisans from across Canada, over 40,000 people such as yourself will visit this market over five days to be inspired and possibly start and finish your holiday shopping all in one day?now this is an event worth going to!

Bag by Fleurtje

This year, Opus is very proud and extremely excited to partner with Circle Craft and the artisans of this amazing market to bring you something a little different. It isn?t often that we are able to be involved in such a large scale market which features so much creative talent from across Canada in one central location, and we are really looking forward to it.

With 30 years of supporting the visual arts ourselves, we wanted to participate in this event in a way which fits within our philosophy of supporting the arts community. As such, we are excited to be the sponsor for the Excellence in Craft Awards. These are for artisans who show both good design and fabrication within a body of work, and their work is unique and of consistently superior craftsmanship.

Hat by Jessica de Haas

In addition to the Excellence in Craft Awards, Opus will also be on-site for all five days of the market. We are sponsoring face painting for children attending the market ?look for us between the aisles! Kids can also visit us for some hands-on creativity by making gift wrap at the ?Kids Sharing Corner? located underneath the Sharing Tree. Choose from block printing, paints, markers or marbling to create some special gift wrap or holiday gift tags. These activities are specifically designed for those of you who are attending with children, to give them a little something fun to do throughout the day.

Jewelry by Back to Glass

When you visit us under the Sharing Tree, the gift wrap made will be donated to the Gift Wrapping centre located on-site. Gifts are wrapped by donation with all proceeds going towards the Sharing Tree, which is in support of the Vancouver Sun?s Children Fund and CTV Kid?s Care Charities. Be involved in making someone else?s holiday a special time! If your little one really wants to take something home, they can also marble or make their own holiday gift tag or greeting card as a keepsake.

Detail of print by Sa Boothroyd

We are sure you will discover an array of talent with the finest in handcrafted jewellery, clothing, food, décor and more. Set aside some time to enjoy the free Entertainment Stage with choirs, classical musicians and dancers. You will also want to check out the Totally Amazing Glass Show ?hot glass demonstrations by Vancouver?s foremost glass artists.

The Circle Craft Christmas Market is about a new generation of creative artists and artisans, and an interactive, entertaining shopping experience as well?we look forward to seeing you there!