Mike Vine

Based in Olds, Alberta, Mike Vine is a retired electrician and passionate woodworker with over 50 years of experience. Since 2014, he has focused his craft on building high-quality, handcrafted string instruments. Working from his basement workshop, Mike creates two unique models of tenor ukuleles, a baritone ukulele, and more recently, tenor parlor guitars.

Each instrument is made with care, precision, and a deep respect for the wood and the music it brings to life. Mike’s instruments have found homes across Canada and internationally, with satisfied players in the USA, England, Germany, Spain, and Australia.

Mike Vine – Luthier
vinemike@shaw.ca | 403-556-6699

Robert Braun

Wood turning has been Robert E. Braun’s passion for the past twenty years. Born and raised in a Northern Ontario lumber town, he developed his love of wood early in life. And, inspired by a craftsman he met in Greece who was turning his olive wood vases out of a store front studio, he was intrigued by the whole process of turning.

He prefers to turn while the wood is wet or “green” to allow it to distort and find its own shape. In addition, Robert has made over 30 of his own cutting knives. As the wood turns on the lathe, the grain patterns emerge and the adventure begins. It piques his interest to see what lies within.

Each piece he turns is chosen for its creative potential, making use of such features as burls, spalt, and bark inclusions. This ensures a unique creative result. One of his greatest pleasures is searching for exotic wood on his travels.

Bowls, vases, wall platters, and urns are examples of his work. Carving caricatures is another one of his passions.

Bob’s Woodturning
abbraun55@gmail.com | bobsworld53@gmail.com

Darrell Franke

I have always envisioned beauty in nature and our wonderful surroundings and love recreating them in a different light by painting on a canvass and bringing the scenery to a new life. My inspiration and motivation stems from the passion and creativity that I feel once that brush strokes the canvass. I choose to paint through my vision, sitting in front of a blank canvass to enable me to bring it to life as I see it through my eyes. My preferences are landscapes.

Many of us are currently in the work force and have little time to really enjoy and appreciate the beauty in nature. I am inspired to think that people can visit all of these destinations through my paintings and live within them. I enjoy the sense of noble serenity that you can see and feel in my paintings.

Envision and enjoy!

Bowden, AB | 780-904-0330
darell.frankee@gmail.com

Louise Goodfield

Louise is an award-winning poet and performer, a bestselling author, and poetry course leader originally from the UK, and now living in Red Deer, Alberta.

Her debut book, Plant Your Poetry: 365 Poems and Prompts to Grow Your Writing Habit was published in April 2024, becoming one of Canada’s most gifted poetry writing guides. She has facilitated poetry and creative writing workshops here in Canada and internationally and has words and poems have been published in multiple anthologies, magazines and journals around the world. Louise has been writing one poem a day for around two years now with a loyal following of writers from across the globe where she guides and offers her support to those wishing to share their words. She is also the co-founder of Tandem Poets, a poetry collective elevating artists work through co-authorship and collaboration.

An extract of her poetic memoir, Learning to Fall, has recently been selected by Red Deer Arts Council to feature in their short story vending machine exhibit at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery and she was recently invited to perform at Red Deer Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

You can subscribe to her Substack or follow her on Instagram for daily prompts, writing inspiration and insight.

A Poet on the Road | Linktr.ee

Betty Caskey

I live to create. For the last 45 years, fiber, paper, dyes, paints, ribbon, and fabric (especially silk) has presented inspirational challenges to me. The satisfaction gained from manipulating this media is rivaled only by the joy I feel when I share this passion with others. Colour and texture are the most important ingredients in my work.

Besides selling at Markets I also teach what I do. For a list of my classes please contact me at silkworm46.bc@gmail.com


Silkworm Studio
silkworm46.bc@gmail.com

David Todd

I’m lucky to be able to live in Markerville with my own home studio. This will be our sixth year hosting Artists on the Avenue on the front lawns of our homes on Johnson Avenue.

Since moving here, I’ve finally gotten to offer a wide range of functional work in many different styles of pottery. Using electric kilns, a gas kiln and a raku kiln there is bound to be something that you would like to take home.

There is quite a selection of bowls, cups, plates, trays, mugs, and kitchen utility pieces in both high- and mid-fired clays.

To help you remember your visit to our hamlet, Markerville souvenir mugs are offered in several different designs.

Winter offers a great opportunity for the making of my art pottery creations which are displayed in the gallery and yard. Drop in, you never know what you will find!

Otter Pottery | 74 Johnson Avenue, Markerville, AB
403-638-5177 | otter@otterpottery.com

Aims Abson

From Heirloom to Art: The 2026 Collection at Big Blue Barn Designs

At Big Blue Barn Designs, we believe every piece of silverware has a story. As the winner of Best Mixed Media Jewelry Atelier (LUXlife Global Excellence Awards 2025), I am thrilled to unveil our 2026 collection!

Alongside our famed Spoon Lady necklaces, snap-button silverware bracelets, and chime ball pendants, you’ll find our newest whimsical additions: silverware snails and fork bugs. These little characters are joining our established lineup of cat and dog necklaces, also uniquely crafted from repurposed silverware. For those who love a bit of sparkle, our new silverware suncatchers feature intricate designs from which cut glass prisms dangle, catching the light to fill your room with gorgeous, refracted color.

Beyond these featured items, a wide variety of handcrafted earrings and jewelry are available, with new pieces being constantly created at the workbench.

Have your own family silverware tucked away? I love meeting clients at my market stalls to discuss personal history! Bring your silverware with you, and I will work with you to identify the perfect commissioned pieces, from custom spoon rings to wind chimes. It is a truly novel way to transform those treasured items into new heirlooms to pass onto your children and grandchildren.

Big Blue Barn Designs | bigbluebarn@gmail.com

6th Annual Art Show & Sale

Thank you to everyone who attended our weekend Art Show and Sale, and thanks to the artists who popped up those tents Saturday morning when the Sun was still playing tag with the rain clouds! The Sun definitely won and we all got to share a wonderful two days in the beautiful little hamlet of Markerville!

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