Markets and Artisans

4 Not-to-be-Missed Markets to Fill up on Creations

The Eastern Townships’ public markets are very popular and famous for their fresh, local products. Some of them also feature artisans presenting creations related to the art of the table and the home. Here are 4 of them where you can stop this summer.

By Natalie Sicard

Woven place mats and tablecloths, cutting boards, service platters, ceramic dishware, bread, pie or grocery bags. . . These markets are indeed the perfect venues for finding all kinds of creations and a good selection of each artisan’s crafts. Note that every market has a Facebook page on which the artisans’ presence is posted.

The Bolton-Est Market (Saturdays from 9:30 until noon)

During its season, this market will welcome artists and artisans on specific dates only and upcoming dates include August 7 and August 21, September 4 and September 18. Here are a few artisans you’ll enjoy meeting: On August 7, you’ll be able to purchase all kinds of aprons and kitchen bags made by Karma M. Also, among other objects, you’ll discover wood turned bowls and plates designed by André Cormier. On August 21 and September 18, Coralie Huckel will offer her beautiful ceramic pieces, and Marie-Ève Dion of Marie-Ève Dion de Marie les bains will offer you her vegetal dyed, hand painted tablecloths and cushions (you’ll also find her at the Magog Market every Sunday).

On some Saturdays you’ll discover Christilla Germain's pretty, hand painted bottles. After having filled your baskets with all kinds of food supplies, you can also relax awhile and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal at the bistro as you savour a tap beer, a refreshing glass of tree water or kombucha. Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., musicians will be performing for you here as well. A truly sweet ambiance!

The Mansonville Market (Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.)

Located in the rolling hills of the Potton Township, in front of the famous round barn, this market offers fresh products from several local farms. Three artisans are present here every Saturday as well. Denis Babin of Les Babineries Atelier showcases his collection of cheese boards and kitchen utensils, spatulas, bread, bagel and cheese knives and beautiful decorative plaques all made with recycled wood. Marie-Andrée of Créations Marie-Andrée excels in the art of artisanal weaving “like my grandmother used to do.” Her brightly coloured woven dishcloths, tablecloths, place mats, bath towels, are quickly nabbed. We can also find cutting boards made with different wood essences presenting some lovely motifs designed by carpenter John Murphy.

Marché Public de Magog (dimanche de 10h à 13h)

Ce marché peut se targuer d’avoir une place de choix. Il est situé à deux pas de la plage des Cantons et du club de voile, sur le majestueux Memphrémagog. Idéal pour y pique-niquer et y faire une saucette! Il regroupe beaucoup de producteurs et d’artisans présents tous les dimanches : Ghislaine Ross qui fait de superbes linges à vaisselle 100% en cotonlin ou coton et chanvre, Isabelle Martineau de Coton flanelle et balles de laine qui vend des sacs pour toute utilité dans la cuisine (à pain, baguette, fruits, vin, raisins) et Marie les bains avec ses nappes et coussins a la teinture végétale.

L’ébéniste Dénis Guertin qui se spécialise dans les planches à découper et les jeux en bois y sera présent le 1er, 15 et 29 août, le 12,19 et 26 septembre. Ses dates sont toutes indiquées sur son site. J’adore les tasses, gobelets, verres et bols aux lignes épurées et à la glaçure aux teintes bleutées de la céramiste Elizabeth Gauthier. Ils me rappellent l’eau vive, la mer et l’été : un grand bol d’air frais ! Elle y expose aussi quand elle n’est pas au marché Locavore à Racine. Lucie L’Allier de Créations Lucia y sera le 1er et 15 août avec ses ustensiles à salade ornés de perles de couleurs et aux allures de bijoux, ses pots recouverts de macramé et ses créations à l’encre. On la retrouve aussi au Marché de la gare de Sherbrooke et à celui du Marché Locavore. Christilla Germain y sera le 15 août.

The Sutton Summer Market (Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.)

Some artisans are there for the season, like these designers who make beautiful handwoven grocery bags, while others appear sporadically, thus adding a new fresh twist every week. I was delighted with the woven baskets and aromatic products made from sweet grass by Laurence Thiffault of Sweet Mama Grass. She’ll be here on September 4 and October 9. Karma M will be present on September 21 and 25 as well as on October 9. Sutton is known for its wide range of outdoor activities. The market is therefore the perfect place to put together a packed lunch to take along on a hiking trail or biking route.

La Famille-buvette de village had the brilliant idea of creating an “all-inclusive picnic” formula. Their delicious dishes, concocted with local products, come in a beautiful wicker basket with a lovely integrated wool blanket, all handmade by two local artisans. You simply pick up your lunch at their market stall and have 24 hours to bring back the returnable basket. Is it so beautiful that you’d like to keep it? You can also buy it! All the information can be found on their website.

Magog’s Public Market (Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.)

This market can truly boast itself as being held in a quite unique spot. You’ll find it only a few steps away from the Plage des Cantons and the sail club, on the majestic Memphremagog. Ideal for picnics and a refreshing swim! Many artisans and producers gather here every Sunday. Ghislaine Ross creates superb 100% cotton linen or cotton and hemp dishcloths, Isabelle Martineau from Coton flanelle et balles de laine who creates different-use kitchen bags (for bread, baguettes, fruit, wine, grapes) and Marie les bains showcasing vegetable dyed tablecloths and cushions.

Carpenter Denis Guertin who specializes in creating cutting boards and different wood board games will be here on August 1, 15 and 29, as well as September 12, 19 and 26. His dates can be found by visiting his website. I love ceramist Elizabeth Gauthier’s clean lined, bluish-hued cups, tumblers, glasses and bowls. They remind me of cascading waters, the sea and summer: a big breath of fresh air! She also exhibits here when she’s not at the Locavore market, in Racine. Lucie L’Allier of Créations Lucia will be present August 1 and August 15 with her salad utensils decorated with coloured bead insets, turning them into true jewels, her macrame wrapped bowls and her ink creations. You can also find her at the Marché de la gare in Sherbrooke as well as the Marché Locavore. Christilla Germain will be here on August 15.