Circle Craft Christmas Market
On Friday I dropped some jugbirds off at the Music Box gallery in West Van for 'Crackerjack'. 
Then I decided to go to see the big Circle Craft Christmas Market at the new Convention Centre. Not wanting to park downtown, or take the seabus on a nasty windy day I chose to take the Blue West Van bus from Ambleside, over Lion's Gate bridge and along Georgia. A 20 minute ride for $1.75 and no parking.
As I walked the half a dozen blocks down towards the water the heavens opened, thunder cracked, wind howled all around the high-rises, leaves swirled and fellow pedestrians and I laughed at our blown sopping selves!
I was pleased to come across Vancouver Art Gallery 'Offsite' on Georgia. Here are two photos of Elspeth Pratt's vast installation. Beside Coal Harbour I spotted a rainbow over Stanley Park, next to a fun Orca sculpture. The green-roofed Convention Centre features walls of wooden blocks and these egg-shaped forms below the ceiling. Conventioneers have a fantastic view of our city, the ocean and the North Shore mountains.
For about 4 hours I browsed all through the Circle Craft displays, enjoying the very best of Crafts from across Canada and I noticed one artisan from Washington State.
I'll bore blog readers with my photos of the clay vendors I appreciate. I respect their displays, huge amount of work and the energy to work in their booths for 5 straight days!
My modest purchases did not include any pots - I really have lots! 
With performances, food and craft demonstrations there was much to entertain visitors and the jolly-vested volunteers were everywhere and most helpful. I have since heard the complaint that there is now too much emphasis on food and food-related products at a craft show but I don't mind it. A multi-sense shopping experience is more like an old-fashioned outdoor Christmas market with food, music and bright lights. Well done Circle Craft and all the amazing craftspeople.
As I ascended the escalator to go back out to rainy Burrard Street I spotted the world above my head, with the Olympic Cauldron beyond. The bus arrived quickly and in no time I was back at Crackerjack for 7pm.
Saturday in Vancouver
The other day we were in Vancouver to help our son celebrate his 35th birthday. We found him some Danish Modern chairs in a New Westminster 2nd-hand store. Mike's collecting that era furniture for his old apartment and seemed delighted with our find. There are 4 armless dining chairs to match.
Then we went down to Granville Island. People like the salty mugs at the Gallery of BC Ceramics. At Circle Craft I checked the display in their window. Some of my salty pots are there along with fun sculpture figures by Debra Sloan. 
It's hard to take photos properly through glass.
While there we took a look at the current gallery show featuring the work of Cathi Jefferson along with furniture makers Joe Gelinas and Sandra Carr. I was so impressed with the carefully considered collaboration between these craftspeople. Cathi has made special vessels and tiles to insert into or stand on shelves, mirrors and tables. The arbutus, gary oak and other woods are beautifully matched or enhanced by the toasty colours and delicate painting on Cathi's pieces. Collaboration is tricky and this show is well worth taking in to see how it can be done right.
It runs until Aug 31st. Go to the Gallery section of the Circle Craft website to see photos of the show and read an excellent review by Thelma Ruck Keen and friends.