Our membership and board is comprised of a group of dedicated volunteers that work to fulfill our mission and vision within the creative community and organize our bi-annual craft markets to best serve our exhibitors.

We are proud to be a part of a vibrant community of independent craft and art markets in the city of Halifax. We strive to remain a financially accessible market for vendors while staying fresh, seeking out new talent, and encouraging new craftspeople to enter the marketplace. We also strive to make the market accessible to the community by offering free admission. In order to maintain a unique and engaging market, all applicants are juried every market by a rotating jury, including a guest juror from outside of the Halifax Crafters membership.

Each year we organize two shows, one in the spring and one before the Christmas holidays. Our carefully curated and unique market is a place where established and emerging Crafters show their work side by side.

 

Meet Our Board of Directors

  • Courage Edetanlen

    Courage has 10+ years of experience in the corporate world in different continents and across sectors. She is currently a Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur, and supports Young Entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia in launching their businesses through the organization's various program offerings.

    Courage has developed a number of skill sets in her career journey, and combined with her diverse experience, she is able to support and champion different causes across Africa - first in her home country, Nigeria and two Eastern African countries - Ethiopia and Kenya. Some of these causes include financial literacy training for women and tech education for children.

    A lover of art and entrepreneurship, Courage owns a small boutique photo & content studio in Halifax and spends her weekends photographing individuals and helping small businesses create memorable business brands through photography and storytelling.

    Courage holds a master’s degree in International development from The New School, New York, a Bachelor's degree in Guidance and counselling from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and several certificates in Finance, Web design, Marketing and Project Management.

    In her downtime, Courage enjoys photographing, designing, bead crafting, cooking, reading, volunteering and traveling.

  • Joyce Adom

    Joyce Adom is the owner and maker of Simply Go Natural Cosmetics products based in Halifax, NS, since 2016.

    Their organic hair and skin care products are handcrafted, plant-based, cruelty-free, and natural.

    Simply Go specializes in shampoos, conditioners, hair serum, and butters for curly, coily, wavy, dry hair. The skin care products are curated for severe dry, and sensitive skin, and specializes in body butters and skin balms. Making these products is what I do for fun.

    Joyce is delighted to be on the Halifax Crafters Board and looks forward to helping organize many more shows ahead.

  • Wyanne Tsang (she/her)

    Wyanne is a product designer and maker with a nomadic background. After visiting Nova Scotia on vacation, she and her family decided to relocate to Halifax from California in 2019. She loves the craft show community in the area and was inspired to join the HCS board as a way of meeting and keeping in touch with other local makers. Wyanne is also the owner and crafter behind The Happiness Field where she makes a variety of home goods and accessories in her attic.

  • Brad Hartman (he/him)

    Brad Hartman is a self taught paper engineer, illustrator, and owner of Bardbardbard Pop-up Cards. Raised in Ontario, he was pleased as punch to find a welcoming community of creatives in Halifax and has called Nova Scotia home since 2009. He shares a home workspace with his crafty partner Katie and is excited to bring his energy to the board of directors.

  • Robyn McMillan (she/her)

    Robyn is from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and is a hobbyist crafter who enjoys sewing and macrame. Professionally, she has experience in Communications and Digital Marketing, which she looks forward to applying to her work with the Board and the Social Media Committee.

  • Charlotte Lyon (she/her)

    Charlotte is a neurodivergent artist who grew up east of Toronto. She permanently adopted the Maritimes as home in 2012 after earning an advanced diploma in marketing and started metal work in 2017. Working from a home studio, she recycles locally sourced sterling flatware, pulling every wire & rolling each piece of sheet used in her work. Charlotte is elated to be joining the board to give back to the crafting community that has given so much to her.

  • Jackie Toner (she/her)

    Jackie Toner, a self-taught wood artist and educator based in Windsor, NS. defies gender norms in the male-dominated craft of woodworking. As the owner of Woods(wo)man Woodworking, she promotes representation and accessibility, inspiring others to explore their creative potential regardless of their background or gender. By breaking down barriers and challenging traditional gender roles, Jackie emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the craft. Jackie is excited to be apart of the Halifax Crafters Board and looks forward to offering an amazing experience for all crafters & makers.

Meet Our Volunteer Organizers

  • Meghan Archer (they/them)

    Megan is the owner and jeweller at Aflame Creations, making colourful enameled copper jewelry on Nova Scotia’s rural south shore. Their academic background is in Cultural Anthropology, and their jewelry practice is mostly self-taught. As a world traveler, Megan enjoys learning new languages and obscure musical instruments. Their role with Halifax Crafters is Volunteer Coordinator.

  • Carrie Ellis (she/her)

    Carrie is a hobbyist crafter who has loved attending Halifax Crafters shows since moving here from Ontario in 2013. She loves exploring this beautiful province and is amazed at all the local talent and creativity. Volunteering with Halifax Crafters Society has afforded her the opportunity to connect with and support the artists who participate in the show, and give back to the amazing crafting community. She currently volunteers with the decoration and floor plan committee.

  • Tania Burenina

    Tania is the owner and lace maker of Lace Lounge. She moved to Nova Scotia in 2010 and has been a huge fan of Halifax Crafters ever since. She has been selling with HCS since 2016. Tania has a Master’s Degree in Art History and is fascinated by everything made by hands. She makes her beautiful lace jewelry and accessories in her home studio and is excited to be volunteering on the Floor Plan Committee.

  • Alyssa Chapeskie (she/her)

    Alyssa has a life long love of art and craft. With a background in Fine Art and many years working with local small businesses, she loves to combine her passions for art, community and small business. Being part of Halifax Crafters has enabled her to connect with people who are passionate about handmade, and to put her organizational skills to great use. Alyssa is so proud to serve the local handmade community as the Administrative Assistant for HCS.

  • Funmilayo Odeniyi

    Funmi is creative Director of Michnat Fashion and a multiple award winner. She is so passionate about fashion, creativity, and diversity. The desire to fully pursue her passion in fashion was largely influenced by the need to fulfill my dreams and purpose in life and fill the existing gap for the demand for Afro-designs mixed with western flair within the city/Province. She is a self-trained fashion designer with a strong accounting background. She moved to Halifax with her family in 2016 and has since called Nova Scotia her home.

  • Sarah Eastwood

    Sarah is the co-owner of Eastwood Pottery and works side by side with her husband, Peter. Eastwood Pottery has been involved with Halifax Crafters since 2018 and Sarah is happy to be part of the social media team. Sarah & Peter live in Halifax with their 3 teens.

    When Sarah isn't in the studio, you can find her running the streets and trails of Halifax.

  • Courtney Ordway (she/her)

    Courtney is from London, ON, and has been calling Halifax her home since 2020. When she isn't busy working on events in her full time job, she is a hobby baker and enjoys being outdoors. New to the Halifax Crafters Society she is excited to connect with the amazing crafters and makers that call Nova Scotia home.

  • Lesley Ashton (she/her)

    Lesley is a designer, illustrator and silversmith living in Annapolis County and is delighted to work with others to help promote contemporary craft and all items made by hand. Lesley Ashton Jewellery is made using mainly sterling silver and other precious metals. Cards by Lesley are created from sketches, watercolour and digital drawings, and often involve images of quirky animals.

    She has a degree in material art and design from OCADU, and has worked in arts education for decades while always carving out time for making art and participating in local fairs.
    http://lesleyashton.blogspot.com/

    http://cardsbylesley.blogspot.com/

  • Olga Trela (she/her)

    Olga is from St. John’s, NL and is a hobbyist crafter. She and enjoys embroidery and knitting, while also dabbling in other crafts such sewing and weaving. She is excited to be volunteering with the Poster & Merch committee and supporting local craftsperson community.

  • Jess Syrnick (she/they)

    Jess grew up in Winnipeg, MB, but has called Halifax home for over 10 years. They are a hobbyist maker who works in everything from pencil &paint to textiles. Jess is new to HCS as the volunteer coordinator and very much looks forward to meeting more of the vibrant creator community around Halifax.