Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival

 

Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival Comes to an End

After a thorough review of the program, the SCC Board has decided not to run the Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival in 2017. This was a difficult decision as the SCC was built on this market. When the SHF began it was the first of its kind; now there are multiple markets all across the province. The SHF has declined over the last decade, with fewer marketers and visitors to the event. Our review included contact with current and past vendors, purchasers, our partners in the Battlefords and our staff. The SCC intends to continue discussions with the Battlefords area community to find ways to keep Fine Craft alive in the district.


Battleford Town Administrator Eileen Barry was instrumental in bringing the festival to the Battlefords. The Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival was founded in 1973 after Barry contacted the provincial government’s Department of Industry and Commerce. The market was funded by that department, who assigned Jenny Hambridge to the project. Together Barry & Hambridge organized the first market.

The Saskatchewan Craft Council was founded as a direct result of the festival, and took over organizing the juried exhibition at the festival (what would later become Dimensions) in 1976, introduced jurying to the craft market in 1978, and took over organizing the craft market shortly after. The Saskatchewan Craft Council has continued to work closely with the Town of Battleford and Tourism Saskatchewan, resulting in one of the longest running craft markets in the province. The SCC is proud of the Handcraft Festival, and appreciates the support of our members and patrons who helped keep it going for over 40 years.

 

For more information please contact:

Alexa Hainsworth, SCC Member Services
scc.memberservices@sasktel.net
306-653-3616 ext. 1

View photos from past Saskatchewan Handcraft Festivals