Held on the upper level of the Vankleek Hill Community Hall, the 2024 iteration of the Fibre Frolic hosted various vendors and craftspeople from Eastern Ontario and Québec. The all-ages event showcased multiple vibrant colours and individual skills for the community to browse, learn, and shop.
Felted art, hand-painted yarns, woven baskets, woodworking, and other fibres and wool were among the included local artist and creator booths at the October 19 event. Many products were ready to be purchased by attendees, with others being made-to-order, to bridge between a historic necessity to something modern that highlights regional heritage practices.
Originally starting during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this year’s edition was organized by Louise and Amelia Sproule. As a lifelong lover of all things artisan and an avid knitter herself, Louise explained that they hope to have an even larger turnout and event in the coming years, as demand and interest continue to grow yearly.
“Older arts were mainly done for survival, now we do this as more of a hobby,” Louise shared. “Making something practical offers personal satisfaction and calms the mind by partaking; people are looking for this more these days,” she continued.
Dorothy Smith, whose daughter passed away from Leukemia in 2015, quilted by hand a batik king-sized quilt for a lucky raffle winner to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Smith aims to continue quilting for future fundraising raffles annually.
During the event, presentations were scheduled every hour for guests. An “Art of Belonging” workshop was also made available to interested participants.
Multidisciplinary artist Cherie Harte hosted the workshop and promoted provocative thought and conversation surrounding the role and power of art within the community and larger society. Basic instruction on crochet was given and participants were able to use tools and materials provided or from home.
“People love the idea that there’s always something to do or volunteer with in Vankleek Hill,” Louise explained. She said that she has had individuals come from larger cities including Vaudreuil-Dorion, escaping the big city to experience the small-town atmosphere in the area.
Vendors often take a risk by showing up to events such as Fibre Frolic. For them, this is a lifestyle and livelihood. Vendors hope that that their work can inspire and attract people to not only purchase their products but to learn more about their creation and conversion, from start to finish.
