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.