Christmas at Creative Exchange

The festive season has arrived and our artists are busy planning, making and hanging the fairy lights!

Remember, when you support local artists, the value stays in the local - nurturing culture, creativity and opportunity right here where we live. If you want to give something handmade and meaningful this year we've got your covered as we’re excited to open our doors for the season not once, but twice!

Our first Festive Open Studio takes place this Sunday, 30th November 12pm - 4pm - coinciding with the always wonderful East Bloc Bazaar market. Visitors can have a nosy and chat with Jude, Stef, Caragh, Bernie, Katherine and Katrina across the day. Expect to see some gorgeous works on paper, mini-paintings, dreamy naturally dyed linen and more.

It’s a great chance to pick up unique gifts, support local artists, or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere.

We are planning on opening up again on the 19th & 20th December alongside the massive Portview Christmas Market - just in time for those last-minute festive finds. This date doubles as our last hurrah before the break so expect a few more artists taking part and we’ll stick on the mulled wine to celebrate another year coming to an end! 

📍Creative Exchange Studios - Unit B4, Portview Trade Centre

🌞 Sunday the 30th November 12-4pm

🌛 Friday the 19th December 6-9pm

🌞 Saturday the 20th 12-4pm

Getting Here. There's no onsite parking on market days - it's just too busy. Please park offsite - lots of free parking at Connswater and other nearby areas OR leave the car and get the bus or Glider there are plenty of nearby stops.

You might also catch some of our members and friends at other markets & events - here’s a few for your diary:

• Eimear Campbell is running a fun ‘Winter Paint & Sip’ workshop on 4th December in Boundary Taproom - where her exhibition, Take Another Look, is also showing until 10th Dec.
  

• Catch Katherine St Angelo & Nichola Irvine alongside lots of other local artists at the Vault Christmas Market in Carlisle Memorial Church on Dec 6th & 7th.  
  

• Nichola will also be doing the TedBerry Market at the Down Royal Racecourse Nov 28th-30th, the Yuletide Market in Rowallane Gardens on Dec 14th, The Portview Christmas Market  Dec 19-20th and the Fine and Dandy market at the Titanic Hotel on 21st Dec - phew, she's a busy bee!
  

• Our Portview neighbours Storybox stock lots of locally sourced cards and gifts including some from Nichola and Jude Fenton. They also have lots of festive workshops coming up if you fancy something fun and interactive.
  

• Our freinds at QSS have their Christmas exhibition opening over both galleries on Dec 4th for Late Night Art and a festive open studio event on Dec 6th.

We will update this page if we get more details but all in all - so many opportunities to buy something unique and made with love this season!