TPDCo Hosts Craft Extravaganza in Resort Towns
By: , December 7, 2018
Photo: FILE
Executive Director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Dr. Andrew Spencer, looks at a bust of National Hero Marcus Garvey done by sculptor Dwight Thomas of Negril. Occasion was a tour at the Uniquely 876 Craft Fair, which was staged by the TPDCo at the Whitter Village in Ironshore, Montego Bay, December 2017.The Full Story
Local artisans will be given the opportunity to display and sell their products at the ‘Craft Extravaganza’ series to be held in the resort regions of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston.
The fairs, hosted by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), will showcase handicrafts and other authentic Jamaican products made by some 70 local artisans.
In an interview with JIS News, Craft Specialist at TPDCo, Violet Crutchley, said the events will feature all things Jamaican with unique gift items, food, and entertainment.
On display and for sale will be paintings, jewellery, textile, bags, stone art, clothes, household products, and items made from screen printing, crochet, leather, Hardanger embroidery and papier-mȃché.
“We are targeting visitors to our island, corporate directors, executives, the man on the street, (and) persons who are looking for authentic Jamaican gift items…so, all are welcome, as it is about creating an environment of Jamaican culture while celebrating the Christmas vibe,” Mrs. Crutchley said.
She noted that the events are part of continued efforts by TPDCo to grow the craft industry and provide opportunity for artisans to be involved in craft-enhancement and business-development training programmes.
“We want persons to be a part of this spectacular event. Get your authentic Jamaican gift items for Christmas, come eat and celebrate Jamaica,” she urged.
The first fair, dubbed ‘876 Craft… Authentically Jamaican’ will open on Friday, December 14 at Whitter Village in Ironshore, St. James, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
It will feature performances from various schools and community groups.
On December 19, an event, themed ‘Yaad Brands to the Worl’ will be held at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with entertainment by Wayne Marshall and Tasha “Masha” Solomon.
Free shuttle service will be provided to and from the event. The two available buses will leave from the Ocho Rios Craft Market to Seville Heritage Park at 10:00 a.m.
The series will culminate in Kingston on December 20, on the Ministry of Tourism compound, The Breezeway, 64-70 Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston.
Dubbed ‘A Fi Wi Handiwuk Dis’, the fair, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will feature entertainers Abijah and Candy.
