Pre-holiday season kicks off with annual DDO fine arts and crafts market

A holiday market dedicated to fine arts and crafts returned to the West Island this weekend – its biggest edition yet.

The long-running DDO Fine Arts and Crafts Holiday Market took place Saturday and Sunday at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre.

“It’s gorgeous. This is my favourite weekend of the year,” said Megan Bradley, the special events coordinator at the Dollard Center for the Arts. “And it’s something that I put a lot of love and time into. And it’s nice to be able to look around and see that people are feeling it.”

There were more than 60 multi-generational artists and artisans showcasing their original creations. There was also an outdoor rooftop bar serving holiday-themed drinks.

“We’re celebrating local talent, artisans, some that come from our own backyard and some that come from as far as Saint-Adele,” said Bradley.

“And everyone’s coming together to be able to witness and encourage the passion and the side projects and the professionalism of all of these artists here.”

Continuing its more than 30-year history, organizers say the event is a celebration of the talent and creativity the West Island and greater Montreal has to offer.

“Every single thing here is one of a kind. It’s all handmade,” said Bradley. “It’s all from these people’s hearts and souls and it goes pouring into it. So what I love to do is the idea that you’re not only giving a gift to someone or a gift to yourself, you’re giving the intention, you’re giving the wish, you’re giving the goodness, the kindness and the love and the passion with it.

“And that’s something that people can say, ‘oh my God, I got this. I remember when I got this. I remember when I got this necklace last year, I remember when I got my earrings from years ago.’”

The market is a staple of the pre-holiday season, as Montrealers begin looking ahead to Christmas six weeks away.

“It’s amazing because it brings everybody out, especially right around the holidays, whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, whatever it is that you’re doing, it’s amazing to be able to host something whereby people can come out and find those unique little items that people look for during the holidays to be able to give to one another,” said Dollard-des-Ormeaux Mayor Alex Bottausci.