The Bermuda Craft Market

By Shirley Tuzo

The idea of a Craft Market was born out of the desire to showcase quality handmade Bermudian crafts and to provide a permanent home for the local crafters to display their talents. With the demise of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce's "Rendezvous Season" in Hamilton, and the plan to revitalise the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, this building, formerly an extension of the old Cooperage, was identified as the perfect location.

It was decided that this new venture would not be the average retail outlet but would be run as a cooperative — owned by the crafters and managed by a committee. Of course, there have been changes along the way. For example, in 2003 it gained recognition as a charity. However, the basic concept has not changed. A Management Committee still oversees the day-to-day operation of the market. The Board of Directors ensures the market fulfils its mandate, namely, to preserve or reintroduce old crafts and to teach new skills.

In fact, this is also one of the things that makes it stand out from other retail outlets. Here, crafters not only have their works for sale but are available to talk to the visitors and locals and to demonstrate their skills. It is therefore not unusual, when visiting the Craft Market, to encounter various individuals working at their crafts and willingly sharing their knowledge and experience. Indeed, in the quieter winter months, a regular feature at the market includes allowing visitors to sit with a crafter, learn a particular skill and actually make an item that they can keep. They can even sample traditional foods… and it's all free!

Travellers can savour the aroma of Bermuda cedar as a skilled local artisan creates freshly turned candlesticks, bowls and trinket boxes on his wood lathe. They can peer over the shoulder of another artisan as she paints delicate floral patterns on a piece of china. Or watch as skilled hands create exquisite pieces of jewellery from wire and gemstones. There is also knitting, crocheting, sea glass painting and even decoupage.

The membership base is quite diverse. A few work at their craft full-time. Others look forward to the day when they can devote more of their time to the craft they love. Meanwhile, new members are always welcome — they are the future of the market. For some members, arts and crafts overlap. Their work has been displayed in local galleries, on Bermuda postage stamps and even at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.

The year 2007 marked the 20th anniversary of the Bermuda Craft Market. That is truly a milestone. Nevertheless, in the years to come, members will work harder to remain productive, because people — whether locals or visitors — will always be looking for quality handmade work.

Come and experience a taste of Bermuda's culture — visit the Bermuda Craft Market. We are open seven days a week, so there will always be someone here to share with you a little bit of Bermuda's boundless talent. (234-3208)

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