Artisan Market | Christmas Patches

The brainchild of organizers Jimmy Grima and Denise Scicluna, attendance and participation has been steadily increasing. Denise remarks on Patches’ growth, maintaining that “people are more aware of the market and the amount of artists getting in touch with us has increased.“

Considering it was little more than an idea in my head last year, I must admit that I am quite pleased with all the accomplishments we have achieved. However, there is still space for more growth, as always!”

Jimmy nods in agreement, adding that “accomplishing the original idea is a long way ahead. I think we ignited a scene – we are aiming at a contemporary designer market. Still, I think we are on the right track and like every other thing on this island, things move slowly and take a lot of time. As for the general appeal, I think it is working wonderfully. People visit us and they are happy, and the most important thing is that the Patches community is growing.”

The response from the artisan community to the initiative has been overwhelming, and Jimmy and Denise are focusing on expanding its appeal, as well as the Patches community itself. “At the moment, we are focusing on creating the community and trying to broaden the idea on the island. I think we got people to stop and think ‘hey, what I do is valuable’ and I think Patches provides good exposure to those how are creative and want to share their work.”

Denise feels that crafters and artisans are able to value their capabilities more through the market, saying “they are encouraged to work and produce more items with the aim of participating in Patches. The bi-monthly gap gives them enough time to produce and create, and that is one of the reasons why we chose that time frame. The community is growing and is becoming like one big creative family! We have participants of all ages, and I personally admire the older participants who are so positive and fond of their work.”

The Christmas edition of Patches will consist of more than 35 stalls and will take place at Valletta’s indoor market. Denise remarks on the choice of venue.

“So far, Patches has been held outdoors because of good weather. However, now that winter is upon us, an indoor location is pivotal. I’ve always been impressed by the indifference and lack of appreciation towards the indoor market in Valletta, which at first glance seems to be rather abandoned. If you observe the location you can see that it is aesthetically beautiful, especially upon glancing at the upper architecture.

"I feel that it is not given the necessary attention – some people don’t even know it exists! I’ve always thought the market would fit appropriately in this location despite there being no obvious link between them, except for the fact that through Patches we are trying to give life to the arts and crafts industry (much in the same way as we are trying to make people appreciate this wonderful location and give it life). So maybe yes, there’s the link!”

Denise and Jimmy are excited about the Christmas edition in particular, and Denise maintains that “we really hope that people attending this market can value the handmade items and consider genuine Christmas shopping for some unique and handmade presents, which are sure to be well received by friends and families!”

As for what lies ahead, Jimmy asserts that the only way is up, as they work toward keeping up the bi-monthly idea and making the Patches community even bigger. Denise looks toward the doubtlessly bright future, saying that “Patches will continue on a bi-monthly basis throughout 2011 with the aim of having more designers each time. We really want the Patches community to grow with each edition. So far it’s been happening and I hope that 2011 will be even better.”

See you all at the indoor market tomorrow!

For more information log on to http://www.patchesmarket.com/