Feminist Vendor Market coming to the UC

Celebrate the end of exams and the start of the holiday season by attending the Feminist Holiday Market

ELLIE PETRAK

The University of Guelph has made it even easier to support local artists, celebrate inclusion and shop for the holidays through a unique event on campus.

On Dec. 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., check out Peter Clark Hall in the basement of the University Centre to see and support amazing artisans at the Feminist Holiday Market.

The Feminist Holiday Market is an event that takes time and effort to celebrate queer people of colour, women, and marginalized groups. Its goal is to provide a dedicated space for accessibility, inclusion and opportunity.

Siyobin Blanco, the creator of the Feminist Holiday Market, is a community organizer, accessibility advisor, reiki master, activist and an award-winning dancer. Her idea to host an inclusive and diverse market came from her desire to fill the gap where representation, accessibility and support of artisans were lacking in previous vendor markets she attended.

She ran her first Feminist Holiday Market in 2017 and it has only grown since then.

Blanco aims to have as diverse a representation as possible and to showcase established vendors, as well as new or first-time vendors and community organizations. As such, there will be a wide variety of vendors selling everything from crocheted products and jewelry items to body products and more.

Some notable vendors to check out this year are ART NOT SHAME, Otsí:tsi’designs, Annie Burgess Pottery, Lived Collective, The SEED, SHYNE Body Butter and many others.

“I am so honoured and humbled to be able to create spaces like this, spaces a queer disabled person of colour like myself could have only wished existed when I was younger.],” Blanco said. “I am so happy to be able to create spaces where people feel comfortable to connect, see representation and are able to support marginalized folks.”

Vendors are equally as excited to be able to attend this event and participate in this community.

“Wannabe Artist Girl” is a local art outlet run by Meg Terry that consists of quirky, different bits and pieces including handwrapped wire gemstone jewelry, paint designs on thrifted sweaters and tie-dye tote bags out of thrifted clothes. During the holiday season, Terry is now also expanding into traditional art such as hand-painted Christmas cards and paintings.

“I spend a lot of time doing markets and community events but this is one of the first opportunities I’ve had to participate in a dedicated feminist event which is something I really stand for,” said Terry.

“I lean into a relationship with nature and the world around us and I think a big part of that comes from everyone being equal. So being a part of something that stands for equality and inclusion is very exciting.”

Be sure to check out @wannabeartistgirl to see Terry’s wonderful creations and @feministevents for event updates, information on vendors, and more!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support your local community members, shop intentionally, and see some of the amazing feminist talent Guelph has to offer.