What to know about this weekend's Christkindl Markt in Canton: Fine art, crafts and more
CANTON − Nancy Barton remembers the wonder she experienced as a child when going to the Christkindl Markt in downtown Canton.
A young Barton was mesmerized with the holiday shopping spirit and the arts and crafts being created and sold by vendors when the event started in the 1970s.
"We would visit Aunt Daisy (in Canton)," said Barton, now the coordinator of Canton Fine Arts Associates, which presents Christkindl Markt. "And then we would always go down to Christkindl and just do some holiday shopping as a kid; it was fun and it was different."
"And it's something I hope we can keep doing because it's important ... for the next generation to come to and have that special connection," she added.
This year's Christkindl Markt is celebrating the popular event's 50th anniversary. The juried fine arts and crafts show is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Canton Museum of Art and Cultural Center for the Arts, both at 1001 Market Ave. N.
The event also is a fundraiser for the Canton Museum of Art. More than $2.5 million has been raised over the decades.
"This beloved legacy has made a profound impact on our museum and the community," said Max Barton, executive director and CEO of the Canton Museum of Art.
Here's what you need to know about the 2023 version of Christkindl Markt.
How did the Christkindl Markt start?
Canton Fine Arts Associates was founded in 1952 as a nonprofit and affiliate of the Canton Museum of Art.
The group started a Christmas bazaar in 1970. Members of Canton Fine Arts initially made all of the items sold. The event became the Christkindl Markt in 1972.
What unique and cool stuff can I buy?
Eclectic art pieces and crafts are featured.
They include jewelry, ceramics, pottery, photography, blown glass, metal and wood works, felting, textile pieces, sculptures, paintings, fiber art, Christmas ornaments and holiday items.
Items for sale include vases, scarves, hats, gloves, slippers, capes, rings, necklaces, paintings, carved Santas, holiday gifts, candleholders and decorative pieces.
How many vendors will be at Christkindl?
More than 70 vendors will be featured from the Canton area and Northeast Ohio, as well as some from out of state, including Michigan and Pennsylvania.
At its peak in the 1990s, around 100 vendors participated, Barton said. Many are longtime returning exhibitors. Others are new.
"These are original pieces of art," she said. "Even if they're clothes or a bowl or a cup that you might have your morning tea or coffee in."
Exhibitors include Canton Glass Works, Canton Ceramics Guild, Side Porch Design Studio, Sticks and Glitter, JBL Woodworks, Richard Kent, Teresa Prince, Fancy Flummery, KaysWhimsy, Tangled Earth Arts, Designs on Santa, My Turqouise Kitten, David Bordine, Expressions by Paula Mastroianni, Beth Lewin Pottery, Horseshoe Lake Pottery, Betty's Bears, The Bottlelight Lady, Russ Hench, Brilliant Illuminations and Alan Fisk.
Paula Mastroianni, a longtime jewelry maker and vendor, said the event was a family tradition for her.
"My father was a softy and loved Christmas," she said. "He was the original Clark Griswold. Attending (Christkindl) was the kickoff of the holiday season in our family. It holds such wonderful memories for me personally."
Mastroianni said her jewelry work has evolved over the years, including artwear jewelry and glass beads; this year, she's added enameled pieces.
"I started by stringing beads 20 years ago, but you have to stay on trend in this business, so I’ve greatly expanded my offerings," she said.
Other artists create intricate and unique pieces, Mastroianni said, including Chaz Letzkus under the artist name Chazmania.
"He does amazing work of primarily animals within animals drawings," she said. "He uses (technical pens) to create his meticulous images and hides his own face in each of his pieces."
Bordine has been a participating artist since the show's origins in the 1970s.
Handmade stained glass pieces are created, including corner flowers, kaleidoscopes, panels and screen creatures, he said.
Varied and striking work by other artists make Christkindl a "must-see event," Bordine said.
How much are tickets and where do I park?
Admission is $8 with ages 12 and younger admitted free. Free parking is available at the Cultural Center parking deck. Limited parking is also available near the Canton Museum of Art.
Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the art museum, which is located inside the Cultural Center for the Arts. Tickets are not being sold online.
What else is happening at Christkindl?
Christkindl also features a silent auction and raffles, as well as a selection of gift baskets with items donated by local and regional businesses.
The first 50 people in line will receive a treat from the Sweet Shoppe.
Will there be food and snacks?
The Markt Bistro serves sandwiches and snacks. Homemade candy will be available for purchase at the Sweet Shoppe.
Want to know more about the Christkindl Mrkt?
Go to https://www.cantonart.org/christkindl.
Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com
On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Christkindl Markt is holiday shopping event in Canton with art, crafts
