Local artists meet & greet brought creators together to share their passions

The community and surrounding region are home to an array of artists, ranging from
woodworkers to quilters, painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, digital designers, bakers,
photographers, authors and everyone else that falls somewhere in between. To say there is
talent among us would be an understatement.
Sandy Lovelace, owner of Just Peachy Arts and Crafts, is an artist through and through. Her
store gives creators a podium to share their artistic abilities and connect with shoppers
interested in what they’ve made. “Art is important because it helps people express themselves,
and it’s therapeutic,” said Lovelace.
Earlier this month, she held a “Meet the Maker” event, which brought about ten percent of the
artists showcased in the store out for a meet-and-greet with shoppers. This allowed them to
showcase their work in person, answer questions, and speak to other artists, building
comradery within the local artist community.
Eight vendors participated in the event, including Whitecourt resident Amy Taggart of Petite
Threadlines. Taggart creates macrame plant hangers and coasters, along with other handmade
creations. This summer, she will launch macrame purses and handbags and possibly some
crochet, too. “I love the creativity in this one space, in this store alone. It’s mindboggling,” said
Taggart, referring to Just Peachy Arts and Crafts.
Taking part in the event was notable for her. “It’s a sense of shared community. I like getting to
share my passion with like-minded individuals and see what all the other artisans have to offer.”
She said being an entrepreneur is a rewarding experience. “It is never-ending, but it is so
rewarding because you can do whatever your heart desires. Whatever your brain can come up
with, and you can figure out a way to execute it, then you can do it. I love that.”
Taggart’s space within the store is continually updated with new material, and she gets to make
it look however she wants, which she really likes. Working with other local businesses is another
plus for Taggart, who recently booked two sold-out classes at Thyme to Grow to teach people
how to make mini macrame plant hangers. “I have DIY macrame kits coming out this spring. I’m
hoping to do keychains and wall hangings.” She will be doing more classes, too.
For Catherine ‘Cat’ White of Creative Adventures Studio Art, who moved to the area from BC,
art is her therapy from day to day life. “I have a full-time job, Monday to Friday, and I spend a lot
of time on the road, travelling and managing people, so this is my escape. If I have an activity
that takes my mind completely off of work or chores, something that I can dive into and lose
myself in, then that’s my ultimate therapy and getaway.”
White creates various things but is currently focused on abstract fluid art and resins. “I love
wearable art or making something you can hang up in your home and display. My art is so
experimental that not everything turns out. With the trivets, if I don’t like their composition, then
that’s what the jewelry is made out of. Nothing goes to waste. All of my stuff is one of a kind. I
could not recreate this to save my life,” she chuckled.
She said she is drawn to ocean colours but has pushed herself outside of her comfort zone a
bit, bringing in different, bolder colours. “We are a landlocked province, so hence, the ocean

colours,” she laughed. White has created earrings of all sizes, bracelets, wall art, cutting boards
and jars, all with a fluid abstract look. The paint looks like it’s dancing right off each piece.
White said taking part in the event gave her the opportunity to learn about how others create
and share tips with each other. “I’ve been able to show a little bit about how my jewelry is
created and also talk to some of the other artists that have been here and make that connection.
We shared tips and even where we source materials and ingredients from. It’s been super
valuable.”
White said she’s only been selling her art for about two years and loves having the chance to
reach customers through a storefront shared with some of the area’s talented creators. “You
walk around the store, and it’s just mind-blowing how much talent there is in this community and
the surrounding area. I never thought I would sell my stuff, but thanks to encouragement from
friends and family, I started to sell and haven’t looked back.”
Lloyd Giebelhaus was another artist who attended the event. He had several of his beautiful
soapstone carvings on display, including a large inukshuk and several different bears. After he
retired from agriculture, he decided to take up a hobby, something he could do with his hands
and imagination. After taking a soapstone class at the Devonian Botanic Garden, Giebelhaus
was hooked, and his talent for carving realism into his pieces quickly grew.
“I know how art feels for me, and I want to extend it to everyone. It’s calming,” said Lovelace.
We have around 85 vendors right now, and Oko Shop and Refillery is joining us soon.” She said
the space is inclusive, allowing anyone, from youth to seniors, to rent a spot and join the Just
Peachy family. “I’m always moving things around and making more space, so the more, the
merrier!”
Vendors can also use the space at the rear of the store to hold classes. “It’s fun seeing people
who want to learn a new medium or art. We have a lady doing watercolour classes, and she
said the next thing they will do is make pottery. She keeps doing new things, which is really fun.”
A bulletin board outside the store displays when local classes are offered, and Lovelace has a
calendar coming soon, too. Details on future maker events can be found by following Just
Peachy Arts and Crafts on Facebook.