A passion for people and the products they produce has led to the opening of Alberta’s Own Marketplace on Main Street in Canmore.
The marketplace is the first retail venture for co-owners Laura Bodell and Carrie Cholak, who have agricultural backgrounds and strong ties to the SaskMade Marketplace in Saskatoon, Sask.
“SaskMade has been very successful,” said Bodell, “My advertising agency did a re-brand for them and I thought, Why not in Alberta? That was our inspiration.
“We grew up with a passion for people who create things, growing or making, and people who work with their hands.
“We couldn’t decide where a similar market would be successful and I’ve been coming to Canmore for a getaway for some time, and never wanted to leave. So this spring, I decided to make it my home.
“I thought it was the ideal location to highlight local and Alberta artists and makers to the rest of Canada and the world; people who enjoy coming to the Rockies.
“I appreciate the sense of community and the people, which made it an easy choice.”
Once Canmore was chosen as a location for Alberta’s Own, things happened quickly in acquiring the former location of The Second Storey Books. At the same time a location was being scouted artisans were being engaged and “luckily it all came together at the end of March,” said Bodell. “We didn’t have a bunch of inventory sitting in a garage.”
After opening with 45 makers and three artists, those numbers have already increased, along with the offerings.
In store now are paintings and sculpture, Smithbilt Stetsons, jewelry, tea/coffee, kids’ items, souvenirs, bath and body products, furniture, stationery, apparel and more.
“People who came in would suggest others who might be a fit and we’ve nearly doubled our offerings.”
Better yet, said Bodell, Heath Hutchings, widow of The Second Storey Books’ Lawrence Hutchings, dropped by to see what was happening in the former bookstore.
“Heath came by in the first week we were open and it was really emotional,” said Bodell. “We had heard a lot about the bookstore from the community and it meant a lot for Heath to come and welcome us, visit and see what’s here.”
Along with artists and makers already calling Alberta’s Own home, plans are to feature pop-up visits by artisans and others on occasions – such as a stress release and meditation workshop on Sept. 3.
Alberta’s Own is located downstairs at #1-713, Main St.
