Fair and square

North Wales based artists Elly Strigner and Kath Martin have launched a series of pop up art and craft fairs in Old Colwyn. Elly is an illustrator, animator and community arts facilitator, while Kath is an illustrator, animator and all round creative talent.

“We know a lot of creative people in our local area who are looking for ways to get their work out there and seen, but it can be so expensive and sometimes a bit of a gamble for artists to even find an outlet to sell their work,” explains Elly. “We had both become quite disheartened at how difficult and impersonal it can be to sell our work online, and it felt like we were constantly paying fees just to list our works on a website!”

Elly and Kath wanted to be part of an art and craft fair that would be inclusive, affordable for everyone involved, accessible and – most of all – fun! Their first pop-up art and craft fair, which took place in November 2022, was a success, and so this year the pair have decided to run them throughout 2023.

“We decided that we needed to put on our own event, in a local community space, and invited other artists and makers in the area to take part,” continues Elly. “We love the venue in Old Colwyn – it’s community focused, fully accessible, cozy and welcoming. Our first event took place on 25th March. It included a range of stalls from artists producing prints, paintings, cyanotypes, jewellery, upcycled items, illustrations and much more. Kinect with Kat was also there offering Oracle readings, and there was a children’s stall with creations from the littlest members of the team too.”

The rest of the events taking place throughout the year will follow a similar theme, and there are still some spaces available for stallholders at some of the events. To get involved or to find out more, please email popupartoc@gmail.com n

Elly’s website and Instagram: www.ellystrigner.co.uk // @elstriggs

The Woolly Wife on Facebook and Instagram: @thewoollywife Kinect with Kat: www.kinectwithkat.co.uk

The dates of this year’s Pop-Up Art and Craft Fairs are: