Photo by Jaclyn Herzog

Last week, Brit Bachmann sat down with local artisan, Rio Branner to discuss community, cultural exchange, and the power of artist initiative.

oook: Tell me about the origin of Fabulous Finds.

RB: I was an artisan doing shows in Vancouver and Victoria. When I moved to the Okanagan, shows were limited. A lot of the people I knew on the Coast were crafters and artisans, but there wasn’t the same community here. There was definitely the need for a bigger show. I thought, “If there isn’t a show, I will just have to build one.” In cities there is more of a shopping crowd, an artisan scene. There was [an artisan scene] here, but it just wasn’t showing up. Even now, there is still room for more shows.

oook: How is Fabulous Finds different from an average craft fair?

RB: It has become a community event because of the people that return to every show. [Fabulous Finds] is also community-based among the vendors; everyone is welcoming and warm. There is no competition at this show, just good vibes. Fabulous Finds brings everybody together.

oook: What sorts of items are exhibited?

RB: There is a variety. Everything is handmade or vintage. Basically, I look for interesting and fun stuff to show.

Photos by Christine MacDonald and Natalie Larose

oook: How has Fabulous Finds contributed to your own work?

RB: I have been showing my own art at markets and craft fairs for almost 15 years now. I make things out of recycled materials; I use leather jackets to make handbags and belts. I also make earrings out of recycled materials, like wallpaper. Doing these shows has helped my products develop and change. I am very social. I like to be in the public, and see peoples’ reactions to what works and what doesn’t.

oook: Perhaps the reason why people are so drawn to Fabulous Finds is because the objective isn’t money-based?

RB: Definitely. It is an exchange.

Photo by Rio Branner

oook: How important is Summerhill Winery as the venue for Fabulous Finds?

RB: I really enjoy having it at Summerhill. Everyone loves having a glass of wine while they shop! It is a combination that works. Fabulous Finds brings a lot of people to [the winery] that have never been before. Sometimes the wine industry appears to have a wall around it, but Summerhill is involved in the community. Next March, I am hoping to expand the show to the upstairs of the winery as well [as the downstairs].

oook: I noticed that Fabulous Finds has a Facebook group- do you think that social media plays an important role in organizing an event like this?

RB: Majorly! Every participant is asked to invite their friends on Facebook. A lot of them also use Twitter. It is a collaboration between all those involved in Fabulous Finds to get the word out. Everybody does their part, and it unfolds organically.

oook: Do you think municipal governments should help sponsor events like Fabulous Finds?

RB: It is good for cities to be involved in the art community, but it is also the artists themselves that have to bring it out.

oook: Artist initiative?

RB: Yes, we make it happen. 

Fabulous Finds is on Friday, November 4^th from 4-9pm and Saturday, November 5^th from 10-4pm at Summerhill Winery. Admission is free.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=245706178805870

http://www.etsy.com/shop/curiodesigns