Festive artists and makers market takes place at Inverness Creative Academy
Festive shoppers braced the cold to attend the opening of the Artists and Makers Market at the Inverness Creative Academy this weekend.
The celebrations kicked off on Friday (November 29).
Alongside the market, community music groups Inverness Traditional Folk, Ceòl na h’òige BSGI (Young Gaelic Choir), Freewheelin (Rich Acappella Harmony Group) and Còisir na h’òige BSGI (Senior Primary Gaelic Choir) played and sang festive tunes for visitors in the surroundings of the Assembly Hall.
The market event, now in its fourth year since the building was established by Wasps Studios as a creative hub for the Highlands, brings together over 30 artists from across the region to showcase their handcrafted ceramics, textiles, original paintings, risograph prints, homewares and more.
Crochet artist and stall holder regular Sorcha Sutherland of Hooked and Hung said: “It’s always such a welcoming and exciting event to be a part of! Wasps do a great job to carefully curate their markets with the highest quality artisans, offering locals the perfect opportunity to shop small, shop local and find those special gifts this festive season.”
Formally the site of Inverness Royal Academy from 1895 until 1980, the landmark is now a flourishing arts space, offering studios, offices and events space to the city and beyond. The Gym Hall serves as the backdrop for the seasonal market.
Among the stall holders joining in on the festivities this weekend is risograph printer and owner of Isle of Riso, Alice Prentice; ceramicist Lakrista Morton, and clock maker Len Pentcost-Ingram.
Catherine MacNeil, Inverness Creative Academy property manager, said: “We always look forward to hosting the seasonal markets, and the Winter edition is the biggest of them all. It's a joy for us to bring together our thriving creative community to celebrate the season, providing meaningful selling opportunities and creating a vibrant festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from across the Highlands.”
The event is free and open to anyone again today (December 1) from 10am to 4pm.
