Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society presents their second "Polka Dot" event of the year.
Following up on the inaugural event, the Chemainus Valley Studio Tour dubbed "The Polka Dot Trail" that took place in October, this latest Polka Dot event features six artists who have opened a five week pop-up gallery in the heart of downtown Chemainus called The Polka Dot Trail Christmas Market.
This artist run-market showcases locally made art for Christmas shoppers.
The Christmas Market organizer, Peggy Grigor, commends the building owners, Anthem Properties, for offering support to local artists and entrepreneurs who are unable to manage a full time retail outlet.
"This way, the tour bus crowds can come in and instead of seeing 'for lease' signs, they see open storefronts with art and pottery and local crafts and that sort of thing," said Jordan Carlson, leasing manager of Anthem Properties. "It helps us out and it helps out Chemainus."
Grigor took advantage of Anthem Properties' offer last June.
"Since I was in the process of educating my clients and customers about my recent change of venue from a retail store front to my home studio in Saltair, I took Anthem Properties up on their generous offer and put in a window showcase of my pottery. I benefited tremendously by having a presence on Willow Street," Grigor said.
The six artists will feature paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, digital art and hand blown glass. They have decked the halls with fun murals, Christmas ornaments and, of course, polka dots. The market is open five days a week and runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 20. They are open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Find them at 9778 Willow St. For more information, go to www.polkadot trail.com