Christmas Market for one of a kind art

THURSDAY, NOV. 29: A Christmas shopping experience where buyers can find one of a kind art pieces just in time for the holidays will be held this weekend. 

This is the 17th anniversary of Home- Grown Alternatives (HGA) and was started by artist Christine Wellman. 

It will be held on Saturday at St Paul’s Christian Education Centre in Warwick. 

Wellman said: “The strange thing is, that even though we realize that a market is any place where goods and money are exchanged, we’ve never called ourselves that simply because shopping at HGA is ‘so much more’. 

“It is more of an experience. We set an ambiance not only by the unusual natural Christmas decorations but with the inclusion of live music by Shine Hayward who has been with HGA for 16 of our 17 years.”

She continued: “Home-Grown Alternatives became our answer to being taken seriously when it comes to participating in a selling event. 

“We, the artists organize and promote it and work diligently to market the event as a shopping opportunity for the public to get quality local creations all under one roof. 

“Most artists/crafts people earn their living through the tourist season. 

“Originally when that season was over, most artists would “down tools”. 

“Founders Mary Tatem (Seamist Designs) and Christine Wellman (OMax Ceramics) coupled with organizing committee members – Terry Chapman and David Wellman – continually drive the event which is now hailed as being Bermuda’s premier art and craft pre-Christmas shopping extravaganza of things hand made, embellished, or designed here on the rock.”

Asked why shoppers should attend, Wellman said: “Home Grown Alternatives has extended the artists’ seasonal earnings. 

“People who visit HGA have high expectations and want to see what is new coming out of artists’ studios. 

“Many one of a kind creations debut at this event, hence discerning shoppers delight in finding unique ‘treasures’ either for themselves or for those folk on their gift lists.”

She continued: “The atmosphere is old-time Bermuda with meeting and greeting, laughter, chat, people enjoying refreshments from The Village Café in between 
shopping breaks. 

“Home-Grown Alternatives shoppers have learned that things made by hand don’t come in large quantities and their early arrival denotes that they are serious about getting first choice of the products attractively displayed by each participant. 

“Shine Hayward on saxophone plus the signature HGA Christmas tree with its crowning glory created by Charmaine Friday, top the ambiance created to herald in the festive season.”

Home-Grown Alternatives will be held from 10am until 4pm.

• For more information, visit www.homegrownalternatives.com or www.facebook.com/HomeGrownAlternatives.