Owner of Serrano Studios, Euan Hanchard shows off the board games he crafts at the YQL Marketplace on Oct 22, 2021.
Local businesses have crafted themselves a new home for their unique items in downtown Lethbridge.
One of the local crafters at YQL Marketplace is the owner of Apothecary Pottery, Kassy Pointer.
Pointer says she started her business in August 2017 as a passion project and she hopes it grows into something more.
“I started off doing candles and then I thought you know what, I love pottery and why don’t I just make my own pottery candles and my own ceramic vessels?” said Pointer.
Her love of pottery grew from a desired sense of community which led to her taking art classes at Casa.
“Eventually I found pottery and I fell in love with it so much that I just I kept that ball rolling and that momentum and it just kind of grew out of itself naturally,” said Pointer.
Also using the space is the owner of Serrano Studios, Euan Hanchard. He designs and crafts wood into elegant patterns with a focus on games.
“These are all made by me as much as possible… I’m in control of the construction and I try to make it as high quality and as attractive as possible,” said Hanchard.
Some of the items he makes are games like sequence and cribbage but there was one game that he came up with on his own.
“I took the concept of sequence, but these are Yahtzee combinations used. Instead of a card game, it’s a dice game,” said Hanchard.
Hanchard has been doing woodworking for a long time but got into games six years ago and says he lets the customers dictate what he makes.
“I’m constantly on the lookout for new games. So come on down and give some suggestions,” he said.
Pointer offers custom items as well, though they may be limited with the holidays coming up she says.
“I’m always happy to work with people to come up with a unique creation and it really gives me a chance to see what people are looking for in other creative ways of looking at pottery and involving people in that process,” said Pointer.
She does sell other items that include candles, oils and soaps, though her handmade pottery seems to get the most attention.
“It’s seeming like lots more people, especially given the pandemic, are really focusing on small businesses and supporting local. It seems like a lot of folks are really into pottery lately. So, pottery is my big seller. (It) seems like everybody wants their perfect mug.”
Pointer says as an instructor at Casa she believes it is important for people to find ways to develop and showcase their work.
“Art is so important to the community and art can be a very therapeutic tool for everybody. I encourage everybody to always check out what our local community has to offer,” said Pointer.
There were several other producers, crafters and small businesses that were at the market showing off a variety of goods.
The YQL Marketplace opened in October 2021 and is the only year-round market in the area. For more information visit their website www.yqlmarketplace.com.