Daphne hosts vibrant market and auction

The Daphne Art Centre in Tiohtiá:ke opened its doors once again this fall for its annual Indigenous art market and silent auction, a celebration of creativity, community, and Indigenous entrepreneurship. Now in its third year, the event brought together over a dozen artists and creators, transforming the Mile End gallery into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange.

For Lori Beavis, director of Daphne, the market represents more than a fundraiser, it’s a reflection of the centre’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous artists in the city.

“This was our third year of doing the event, and it’s changed a little bit every year,” Beavis said. “When you do similar annual events, things always refine a little bit. We had 14 vendors altogether, and it was just a really nice mixture of people.”

This year’s market featured beadwork, handmade bags, books, holistic products, and original artwork. The silent auction, which supports Daphne’s programming and development needs, included more than 30 items contributed by vendors and artists connected to the centre.

“Each year, we use the money raised for what we need,” Beavis explained. “Last year we got a neon sign that indicates ‘You are on Native land,’ using the longhouse shape of Daphne’s logo. This year, we’re thinking about adding some things that help people recognize that they are in an Indigenous place.”

Among the vendors were Kahnawa’kehró:non artisan Kelsey Deer, founder of Kel Tech Gear, who participated in the Daphne market for the first time. Her table displayed her durable handmade bags, candles, and beadwork.

“The silent auction was really great,” said Kelsey Deer. “There were a lot of amazing beaded pieces, photographs, and a handmade rug. Seeing all the pieces in the big display case was really cool.”

For Deer, the sense of connection extended beyond the display case and into the community gathered at the market.

“It was awesome,” Deer said. “It was my first year doing it, and I really, really liked it. It was definitely a different crowd, a lot of people were coming in for the galleries, so it was a different kind of market. It was really friendly, everyone was talking, and it was just really good vibes.”

Deer, who has been crafting for five years, said the event offered her a chance to connect with both familiar and new faces.

“I just hope that people know that everything is handmade, and it’s an Indigenous market,” she said. “You’re getting something that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Fellow Kahnawa’kehró:non vendor Lauren McComber, founder of Lotus + Sage Holistics, echoed that sense of connection. McComber has been involved with Daphne for over a year, leading meditations as part of the centre’s Breathe Art series.

“Being a part of the Daphne art market is always a very special feeling,” she said. “For me, Daphne feels like an extended family.”

Her booth featured t-shirts, aromatherapy products, and handmade gifts all designed to promote wellness.

“As someone who’s been to many markets and powwows, this one just always has a very special feel to it,” McComber said. “It’s a beautiful collection of Indigenous artists in the entrepreneur landscape.”

For Beavis, that spirit of togetherness is what defines the event.

“We’re always working towards building community.” Beavis said. “It’s extraordinary, the range of work and the beauty of the work they created was really to behold, and I’m already looking forward to number four next year.”

As the third annual Indigenous Art Market wrapped up, it was clear that the Daphne Art Centre continues to serve not only as a gallery, but as a gathering place, and a home for Indigenous artistry, entrepreneurship, and kinship.

[email protected]