The Toque Craft Fair
It doesn’t get much more Canadian than the toque. Or tuque. Or touque. Even the Oxford Dictionary agrees. ‘Toque. Canadian. A close-fitting knitted hat, often with a tassel or pom-pom on the crown.’
Some of you might even remember SCTV’s uber-Canadians Bob and Doug McKenzie – played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas – who sported ‘thinking toques’ and even managed to work their pom-poms into a most Canadian 12 Days of Christmas.
‘Fifth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Five golden touques!
Four pounds of backbacon
Three French toast
Two turtlenecks
And a beer, what was it? In a tree!’
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Since the 1970s, Western Front – an inter-disciplinary artist-run centre – has been running an annual fair that highlights the work of BC based artists and designers. This Toque Craft fair – as it was finally named in 2002 – supports local creators who, in turn, donate 20% of their proceeds to support the art programs at the Western Front.
This year, of course, all has moved online. But, the Toque goes on and you’ll be able to visit vendors virtually from December 1st to 6th. You’ll find jewellery designers, small batch Pacific Northwest perfumes, ceramics, wood and leather goods. One of the vendors – Project Weekend – even sells a kit where you can make your own toque.
Happy exploring, eh.
www.creatorsvancouver.com
Header: Jean-Philippe
