Christmas in the Village - by Erica Stanley

Christmas in the Village

 | Words and photos by Erica Stanley | In the summer months people sail up the wandering Saint John River, admiring the rolling hills hugging its banks, to arrive at a little village on the water. As they step out onto the dock, they are greeted by a well-kept marina with a pub and patio to one side, and all-local grocery market to the other. This quaint little village draws people in, for its gorgeous riverside views, and its plethora of artists and craftspeople who call the Village of Gagetown home. This place is artistically and creatively-rich!

As the autumn brings with it a blanket of colour, and a cooler breeze in the air, village artists are getting ready to greet yet another fleet of visitors. Every year the village transforms into a winter wonderland, illuminating Front Street with Christmas lights, wreaths, the smell of hot apple cider, and open doors to the many Artists Studios and shops. It feels a bit like stepping into Santa’s little Village, with a whole town of artists hard at work, making it all by hand. Weavers, textile artists, potters, jewellers, goldsmiths, painters, sculptors – the Village really hosts artists of all media! This year more than 30 artisans showcased their work, team up with other craftspeople to put up a display, and opened their doors to the visitors coming for this esteemed annual event: Christmas in the Village.

In it’s 21st year, renowned local potter Flo Greig remembers it all beginning with just a few local artists gathering together to plan such an event. Peter Thomas and Karen Shackelton were key visionaries in the creation of Christmas in the Village. The event “reflects the creativity of people in the local area, that is so important” says Flo, as she is hard at work, trimming pottery. She continues working and multitasking, as is the way of most artists, while she speaks about Christmas in the Village: “it’s good for the Village, too, it brings us together. It’s a great way to show people what we have here.”

People come from all around the province to enjoy this community event. You can stroll around the Village, collecting local handmade things for loved ones, enjoy a coffee and a quality meal at any number of the local restaurants and cafes, and be a part of the tree lighting as the sun sets. It’s so quaint, creative, and festive; it feels like you are walking down George Seaton’s 34th Street, only the consumerism is the opposite of corporate, rather small businesses and entrepreneurial artisans. It’s a wonderful feeling to see so many artists and small business owners living their dream, knowing that every dollar spent stays in the New Brunswick community, supporting local entrepreneurs.

This year the weather was rainy, giving a more fall-esque look to the Village. The vibe was definitely festive though!

Aidan and I were stationed in the back area of Hector House, where Bronwyn Gallagher has her studio.

Anna Mathis shared the front space with Bronwyn, Sylvette Fortin, Rachel MacGillivray and Alison Murphy. Anna took a few moments to share her experience with us.

"This was my first year participating in Christmas in the Village as one of the vendors; I was stationed in the Hector house on Front Street in Bronwyn Gallagher’s studio and shop. When I arrived on Saturday morning the streets were already lined with cars, and visitors to the village were bundled up for the weather and carrying either hot apple cider or munching on homemade gingerbread cookies. It is like stepping a modern Kingslanding, all of these historical homes open up their doors and share a piece of their lives, their art, or their baking. At the Hector house we had 5 fibre artists in the front of the house, , freshly made toffee in the kitchen, a wood turner in the barn and jewelry artists Erica and Aiden Stanley in the back. All day long people came and went, choosing Christmas gifts for friends, or finding something to keep for themselves. Holiday spirit, cinnamon and fresh cut evergreen was in the air. Spending the day walking around Christmas in the Village is always my favourite way to kick off the Holiday season." - Anna Mathis

Jeweler Aidan Stanley (Queenstown Goldsmiths)

(Fibre artists Anna Mathis and Bronwyn Gallagher)

Erica Stanley is one half of the Queenstown Goldsmiths. Thank you for sharing about Christmas in the Village with us!