Grimsby, Ontario
Saturday, April 28, 2018
For forty years, friends and lovers of the printed word have gaggled to the foot of the Niagara Escarpment on the last Saturday in April to participate in a modern wayzgoose. This year, fifty artisans of the inky arts set up their stalls to sell a beautiful array of book arts, paper arts, letterpress printing and prints. Although the weather was cool and damp on that Saturday morning, when the doors of the Grimsby Public Art Gallery were thrown open to the public, the crowds flooded in from far and wide. Money quickly changed hands in exchange for a wide variety of limited edition or one-of-a-kind art. In addition to the sales, a number of artisans set up interactive demonstrations of their craft and encouraged visitors to try their hand at creating something beautiful.
CBBAG Ottawa was very well represented this year, with Larry Thompson’s Greyweather Press, Spike Minogue’s Letterpress Studio, Nancy French’s Lindenlea Paper, and Steve & Gayle Quick’s Weathervane Press all participating with demonstrations and their wares tables. Nancy Trottier’s Ducks-in-a-Row Press was scheduled to participate, but at the last minute was unable to attend. This contingent from Ottawa had a wide array of hand-crafted items which were readily purchased. As far as the interactive demonstrations went, they were extremely well received and added to the fair-like atmosphere of the event.
At 5 p.m., the stalls were taken down and things packed away, the tables were rearranged into a fest hall and the vendors sat down to an evening of lively discussions and an excellent meal. This interaction between the artisans is one of the best parts of the wayzgoose. Discussions ranged from exchanging ideas and techniques to new projects and equipment. It is also the time that the vendors officially thank the organizers and volunteers.
The Grimsby Wayzgoose is a terrific event that is a wonderful experience for both visitors and participants. If you get the opportunity, plan to attend and join in the celebration.
