This story originally appeared in the Holiday Arts Guide: Have an uncliché Christmas.
If you go to one craft fair this Christmas, make it Toque. Not only will you be seeing work from a number of vendors who don’t take part in the usual craft fair circuit, but you’ll be helping support the year-round programming of the Western Front artist society.
Running for a newly expanded three days in December, Toque will see Western Front’s Mt. Pleasant heritage digs full to the brim with the work of 28 talented artists and artisans.
While not always known as “Toque”, the fundraiser has a long history in the local arts community.
“They’ve always done it as a fundraiser,” explains Western Front executive director Caitlin Jones. “Maybe not since 1973, but we have images from, like, the early ‘80s when they were doing it.”
Back then, it was viewed as an extension of the Western Front-goers’ artistic practice. Similarly now, Jones explains, Toque still has many artists who participate, not selling artwork per se, but selling some other craft or material.
“We like to say [that Toque has] gifts from $5 to $500,” says Jones with a grin. “You’re getting handmade artist objects, so you’re not going to stock up on tons of cheap stocking stuffers here, but most vendors do have a great range on their tables. So for a ceramicist like Gailan Ngan, you’ll have a $400 bowl and then a small item that’s $25. Same with Henderson Dry Goods,” she continues. “She’s got beautiful jewelry and mobiles, and then also absolutely beautiful laser-cut, wood tree ornaments.”
Toque is one of three annual fundraisers which help Western Front, one of the oldest existing artist-run centres in Canada, not only keep their lights on but pursue innovative programming in their media arts, music and gallery exhibition spaces. Instead of paying a traditional table fee, Toque vendors volunteer 30 per cent of their proceeds to the Front, yielding the organization around $10,000-$15,000 in additional funds each year. And while they have artists lining up to take part, Toque keeps its intimate feel thanks to space limitations and contemporary art sensibilities. The event, which hits all the right festive notes, is also known for being a bit of a party.
“We have a holiday cocktail on the Friday night,” explains Jones conspiratorially. “It’s a very fun atmosphere… Western Front has, for 40 years, been known for its parties, and Friday night is a really fun night to come and hang out and see what we do, see this cool building, and get all your Christmas shopping done.”
Happy Fronting.
• Toque runs Dec. 4-6; Western Front (303 East 8th). Admission by donation; Front.bc.ca
