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Showing posts with label Vanier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vanier. Show all posts

Von Allan at the Vanier Artisans Christmas Market


Vanier Artisans 2025 Christmas Market poster in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on November 29 2025 that Von Allan will be exhibiting at

In what has become a Christmas tradition, I’ll be one of the artists at the Vanier Artisans 2025 Christmas Market! For those in the know, I’ve been doing these for the past number of years and they are always a tremendous experience with a diverse group of artists and craftspeople. And since I live in the community (Vanier Strong!) and I also did the art for the poster, I can honestly say it’s my favourite market of the year.



This is the first time that we’re doing the event at a new venue! St. Margaret’s Anglican Church was kind enough to collaborate with the Vanier Artisans and host the event this year. It’s a truly lovely venue, in the heart of Vanier, and will have a nice Christmas vibe to it. It was actually built way back in 1887, so it’s architectural design is pretty unique. And it’s in a great location, at the corner of Montreal Road and Cody Avenue on a major bus route and with easy access to parking in the back.



As the City of Ottawa notes on it’s website, “The cornerstone of this solid limestone heritage building lined with brick, often described as Vanier’s oldest building, was laid by Lady Agnes Macdonald, wife of Sir John A., in 1887. Its belltower is in the old English style. Initially a mission of St. Bartholomew’s Church in New Edinburgh, it functioned as a “chapel-of-ease” on the main dirt road from Ottawa to Montreal, in an area that became the community of Janeville. By 1915, it began providing regular services in English to its membership of mostly poor immigrant families.”



As always, I’ll have everything on my “shop” page, so that includes a full compliment of WOLF’S HEAD graphic novels, plus other comics and graphic novels (including SHEBA THE GREAT!, LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND LOSS: A COMICS COLLECTION, and STARGAZER), as well as Christmas cards, art prints, and so on! Some photos are at the end of this post!



Here are the details! A formal press release is at the end of this post, too!

Date: November 29, 2025


Time: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM


Location: St. Margaret’s Church, 206 MontrĂ©al Rd, Ottawa, ON K1L 6C9


Cost: Free admission!


Facebook Event Page: Vanier Artisans 2025 Christmas Market Facebook Page


Amenities and Features of St. Margaret’s Church:
  • Public washrooms

  • Accessible access

  • Free parking

  • Metered/paid parking

  • Family friendly

  • OC Transpo nearby

Here are some Photos of What I’ll Have Available!

And there will be a few surprises, too!


Various art prints, comics, and graphic novels by Von Allan
Wolf's Head trade paperback graphic novels (Volumes 1, 2, and 3) by Von Allan
Wolf's Head Book 1 Hardcover by Von Allan
Love, Laughter, and Loss Hardcover by Von Allan

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shop Local, Give Handmade: The Vanier Artisans Christmas Market Returns in a New Festive Space!



Ottawa, Ontario – November 25, 2025 — The holiday spirit is shining brighter than ever in Vanier. This year’s Vanier Artisans Christmas Market returns with fresh energy, a stunning new venue, and a warm invitation to shop local and bring home something truly special.



Now hosted at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church (206 Montreal Road), this community favorite Christmas Market celebrates local talent and craftsmanship. Each purchase directly supports Ottawa’s makers and helps keep Vanier’s creative traditions thriving.



Organized by Charlotte Taylor and a passionate team of volunteers, the market features an exciting range of handcrafted goods, from preserves, candles, soap, and baked treats to art and photography prints, knitted and crocheted items, jewelry, and comics and graphic novels. Many items are made in small batches, so visitors are encouraged to shop early and secure their favorites before they’re gone.



“We’re so excited about our new home at St. Margaret’s,” shared organizer Charlotte Taylor. “It’s the perfect place to bring people together to celebrate the season and support our local artists. Every purchase makes a difference and keeps creativity alive in our community.”



Event Details

About the Vanier Artisans Christmas Market

The Vanier Artisans Christmas Market is a cherished, community led event that showcases the heart and talent of Ottawa’s local makers. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of giving handmade, one meaningful gift at a time.

Announcements


Three quick announcements, folks!



The first is that the Vanier Artisans will be having a spring show here in Ottawa on Sunday, June 8th at the Vanier Community Services Centre at 270 Marier Avenue. The poster by yours truly is at the end of this post and the Facebook page just went up, too! I’ll be there along with a number of terrific artists! One of the things I really like about the Vanier Artisans is that a wide range of styles are represented. Knitted items, food items, painted items, soaps, photography, and comic books and graphic novels (me). In other words, there’s something for everyone. It is well worth your time, so if you have a chance, please check it out!



The second announcement has to do with MailChimp. I had mentioned that I’ve not been a particular fan of their service, especially when I compare it to the “good ol’ days” of FeedBurner. Coincidentally, MailChimp has taken the interesting decision to make their service, at least for people like me, measurably worse. The screencap below has all the details.


Screencap of MailChimp's silly announcement

What does this mean for you? Well, for regular visitors of this site along with folks that are using RSS to subscribe to my periodic updates, not a thing. For those of you who have subscribed via email, there is a big change. Sadly, as of June 1st, that option is now over. That means that you’ll no longer be receiving updates via email from me. There are a few options going forward.



1) Switch from email updates to RSS. I’m a big believer in RSS. For most people, it is quick and easy to use and is a snap to set-up. You just need a RSS Reader (aka a “News Aggregator”) and these can be installed on pretty much any internet-enabled device (desktop computers, cell phones, tablets, you name it). The one I use is BetterBird, a much improved version of Mozilla’s Thunderbird (or as the BetterBird project notes, it’s a “fine-tuned version”) and is tremendous. There are a lot of other options out there, though. Some for free, some not. Wired did a good summary but a simple search using Google or DuckDuckGo or whatnot will turn many up. You may need to experiment, but it’s well-worth your time.



2) If you truly hate this idea and would prefer to keep receiving periodic emails from me, drop me an email (media@vonallan.com). I’m going to put together an HTML email mailer that will be similar to what you were already receiving. So if RSS isn’t an option for you for whatever reason, we can still do email, just not the way you’ve been receiving it via MailChimp or FeedBurner.



The third announcement is that the new Bill and Butch short story is finished (pencils, inks, colours, lettering, you name it!). I just need to do some proofing/edits and then it will debut right here, hopefully before June 1st so that MailChimp can send out one last email.



That’s it right now! I hope to see you on June 8th!

Vanier Artisans Spring 2025 Show Poster by Von Allan

2024 Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale



Update! The 2025 poster and event information is at https://www.vonallan.com/2025/11/Von-Allan-at-the-2025-Vanier-Artisans-Christmas-Market-Ottawa-Ontario.html

In what is becoming a lovely annual tradition, I’ve once again did all the art for the poster for the Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale (see the poster below). And, of course, I’ll be one of the participants in this year’s show.

This is organized by Charlotte Taylor and, as always, she’s bringing together a whack load of of artists from all sorts of artistic practices for the sale. Charlotte is proud of her community (the neighbourhood of Vanier) and she has fought hard to make sure that Vanier is recognized as the vibrant section of Ottawa it is.
The poster has all the details. And the Vanier Artisans has its own page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/vanierartisans

I’ll be bringing a number of my comics (including the hot off the press edition of SHEBA THE GREAT!) and graphic novels. Plus prints, cards, and a few other odds and ends.

So if you’re interested in meeting some amazing artists and perhaps buying some lovely art for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or “just because,” please drop by. It will be held at the Vanier Community Service Centre (https://cscvanier.com/) on Sunday, November 24th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

It will be loads fun!

2024 Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale poster by Von Allan

Media Release

Ottawa, Ontario November 19, 2024 — The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to support local makers, discover unique gifts, and experience the magic of Christmas — all in one place. Organized by Charlotte Taylor and held at the Vanier Community Service Centre, the Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale brings a festive blend of handmade goods, local artistry, and holiday cheer to your season.

“Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind books and comics, art, photography prints, or cozy knitted items, this year’s market has something special for everyone on your list,” noted Taylor. “You’ll also find handcrafted soaps, candles, pottery, baked goods, and much more, all created with love by our talented local artisans. And, to help kick off the season, Charlotte Media House will be offering free Christmas photos… so bring your holiday spirit and a big smile!”

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas at the Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale.

“You really don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to shop local, support small businesses, and get your hands on some handmade treasures,” Taylor added. “The fair is a fun, family friendly way to spend an afternoon and we hope to see you there!”

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)

Location: Vanier Community Service Centre, 270 Marier Avenue, Vanier, ON K1L 5P7

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/15YicbRKgG/

Vanier Community Association page: https://www.vanier-association.com/en/event/vanier-artisans-christmas-craft-sale/

Other Links

Christmas Craft Sale 2023 in Ottawa



Update! The 2024 poster and event information is at https://www.vonallan.com/2024/10/2024-vanier-artisans-christmas-craft.html

As has become a bit of an annual tradition, I’ll be one of the exhibitors at the upcoming Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale on Sunday, November 26th. This has been a really fun event in the past and the organizers (led by the amazing Charlotte Taylor) create a really great atmosphere. And the mix of artists is really neat; comics will be represented by yours truly, but there will be a wide diversity of artists and artistic practices at the show. Crafts, clothing, food, art, you name it!

One of the things I enjoy the most is the spirit of solidarity that everyone shares. In some events I’ve done in the past, that spirit has been sorely lacking. It’s hard to put into words, but I’ve certainly experienced a hostile competitive attitude in some of these other events. It’s a shame, because I strongly believe that we’re all in it together and that competition between artists should not be an element of any art show.

I was tasked to come up with a poster for this year’s event. This time I wanted to do something with Santa Claus, mainly because I don’t think I’ve ever drawn the big guy before. The problem with that is that Santa is so iconic it can be hard to “shake” other influences when approaching a design. I did what I could in that regard and came up with something that hopefully captures the ol’ elf in all his glory. With a little bit of wonder thrown in, too. I also included the final pencils ‘cuz I know that some folks like seeing the “process” from pencils to the final piece. It was a great deal of fun to do, too. And it all came together pretty quickly; literally I went from not having any firm ideas — save for the notion of including Santa — to getting in an image in my mind’s eye. That image held through right to the final colours and poster design.

The show will be at the Vanier Community Service Centre (270 Marier Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1L 7H8). And I’ll have not only comics and graphic novels (including WOLF’S HEAD!), but various art prints, cards, and whatnot, too! If you’re in town, why not drop by? It really is a lovely event!

Vanier Artisans 2023 Christmas Craft Sale Poster by Von Allan

Pencil version of the Vanier Artisans 2023 Christmas Craft Sale Poster by Von Allan

Other Links

Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale


Update! The 2024 poster and event information is at https://www.vonallan.com/2024/10/2024-vanier-artisans-christmas-craft.html

I'm very pleased to announce that I'll be one of the participating artists in this year's Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale. This is organized by the always capable and wonderful Charlotte Taylor and she's bringing together a wide range of artists of different disciplines for the sale. I really like that; I don't like "silos" and the idea that artists have to "stay in their lane" or somesuch has never made much sense to me. I like that different artists can get together for an event like this. That's a neat way to share art and a great way to have some fun. And a special bonus is that I designed and illustrated this year's poster, too!

The poster has all the details. And there's also a Facebook event page for it at https://www.facebook.com/events/1277240033075854/

I'll be bringing a number of my comics and graphic novels, including the hardcovers of WOLF'S HEAD and LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND LOSS. Plus prints, cards, and a few other odds and ends. And I think a very special guest will be joining me there, too. That's all hush-hush and super secret! The only way to find out is to come!

So if you're interested in meeting some amazing artists and perhaps buy some lovely art for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or "just because," please drop by on Saturday. It should be a lot of fun!

Poster designed by artist Von Allan for the 2022 Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale

Other Links

Wolf's Head by Von Allan

Link to Von Allan's Wolf's Head comic book series

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