With about a month to go before many people celebrate the holidays with gift-giving, local artists and makers are pooling together to showcase their wares.

This Saturday (Nov. 27), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gorge Gazebo, is the Craft Corral, a first-time event organized by local artist Kim Marks.

Marks has an art stand at the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort during the summer. She said that besides a varied selection of edible and craft items, there will be live music at this weekend's event, as she feels people are missing events and the opportunity to come together.

There is no admission charge but people are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item for the food bank. She hopes this event will be the first of many to follow.

The outdoor gazebo was a safe bet for a venue in the ever-changing environment of health regulations. Image courtesy of Craft Corral.

In Squirrel Cove, this weekend kicks off the holiday opening hours for the Cortes Craft Co-op Shop, which has been an island staple for more than 30 years. Irene Blueth of Silver Cedar Jewelry has been an artist member for nearly as long and recalled how the shop's building was constructed by members shortly after her arrival on the island. 

The shop typically opens for the summer months, and then again prior to Christmas. This holiday season, it's open for business from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 26 - Dec. 19.

The Cortes Craft Co-op Shop will be open for four weekends prior to Christmas 2021. Photo courtesy of the Cortes Craft Co-op Shop.

The annual craft fairs that take place at the two community halls on Cortes are back this year after being canceled in 2020, and a follow-up show this week will announce those details. 

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