Much of daily life in Ottawa has adapted to be socially distanced or virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic — so it makes sense that local artisans and craft markets would follow suit.
Ottawa-area artisan businesses recently “gathered” from the comfort of their own homes for Gem Collective Inc. and Freewheeling Craft’s Virtual Craft Marketplace from Sept. 17 to 20.
Freewheeling Craft and Gem Collective’s Amanda Cockburn put together the event through the website Hopin. It showcased 55 local artisans and makers, along with seven different workshops and musical acts.
Cockburn has been a leading figure in the local artisan community through her dedication to organizing craft markets and promoting local artisans through her blog Freewheeling Craft. Before the move online, her in-person markets have previously been held at different places…