In 1983, Signatures Handmade Market launched its artisan market in Ottawa. Since then, Signatures has grown to become Canada’s premier handmade exposition, expanding to over 16 different municipalities across the country, from British Columbia to Ontario.
On Thursday, October 19th, Signatures will launch its anniversary show at Lansdowne’s Aberdeen Pavillion with a birthday party. This year’s Signatures Market’s Ottawa edition is special, celebrating 40 years of showcasing Canadian artists and their creations in the Capital region. The event is fully licensed and includes a complimentary drink from Overflow Brewing Company, Dunrobin Distilleries, or Casa-Dea Estates Winery, with each ticket and gourmet food exhibitors participating in the show. There will also be a prize draw for the show with the chance to win gift cards for the market.
“It’s an honour to help spread the word about our fine local breweries, distillers, vintners, and gourmet food specialists,” says show President and Co-founder John Ladouceur, himself an artisan. If you can’t make Thursday’s celebration, you can still sip and savour while exploring everything from handmade clothing to housewares, jewellery, artwork, sculptures, and gourmet foods during the rest of the show, from Thursday, October 19th to Sunday, October 22nd.
The event is fully licensed, so take advantage and try some great local drinks while shopping. Show Manager Christine Mathieu explains that the goal is to provide a more laid-back atmosphere where visitors feel inclined to linger and take their time rather than going through the market quickly.
Mathieu explains why the handmade market has extraordinaire staying power: “It (Signatures Handmade) speaks to a specific niche that people are always looking for, and there’s so many mass market goods out there and fast fashion, and all the rest of it.” She says that the local element of the event gives a community feel where attendees know they are buying high-quality products that support local businesses.
This time of year is also perfect for looking for Christmas gifts and holiday-themed products. Mathieu notes that although Signatures has upcoming holiday markets, many of the 125 tables will have items they are testing the waters for with the upcoming holiday season, meaning you’ll see them first here. In addition, there will be fall-themed clothing, jewellery, and artwork.
On top of all the great shopping opportunities, live music will make the Signatures feel like a fun day out. Attendees can look forward to hearing local artists Jessica Pearson, whose music blends folk, roots, and East Coast bluegrass and Kristine St-Pierre, who plays soul-searching ballads with a rollicking bluesy flair. Both will be there in cooperation with the Grassroots Festival, playing live music from opening night throughout the weekend.
To purchase tickets for Signatures Handmade, visit their website at signatures.ca. Children under 17 are free; tickets include reentry for those who want to leave and return.
If you are an artisan in the Ottawa area who would like to exhibit with Signatures in an upcoming show, you can click here to learn how to become an exhibitor.
