Prince Edward Island craft studios are open and waiting for your visit this weekend during the third annual Studio Tour, an initiative by the Department of Development and Technology to support and promote the vibrant craft and giftware industry in our province.
This year over 90 Island craft studios, galleries, shops and museums are participating in the tour which means great deals from tip to tip. From the Naturally Yours Studio in Souris to Holiday Island Productions in Tignish, consumers have the chance to see where some of the finest PEI handcrafts are produced.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to see what the Prince Edward Island craft industry has to offer," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "We have many talented craftspeople across this province and the Studio Tour Weekend is a chance to experience the industry at its best. I've visited many of the shops and studios personally and look forward to dropping in on a few more this weekend."
Minister Currie also points out the valuable boost the craft industry gives to the province as it injected more than $30 million into the economy last year.
The Studio Tour Weekend has also added a "Save the PST" campaign to further entice visitors and Islanders to explore participating shops and galleries.
"This weekend shoppers will save the provincial sales tax on all purchases of Island made handcrafts and giftware at participating studios," said Marie Walsh, Craft Project Coordinator with PEI Business Development. "This savings combined with the in-store specials that many stores are offering makes the Studio Tour Weekend a great time to shop. You'll not only be supporting Island craftspeople, but you will also be getting a quality product at a great price."
Official Studio Tour Guides are available at all PEI Visitor Information Centres. This easy to use booklet will lead you on a self guided tour of all the participating shops in various regions across the province. Studio Tour balloons and signage will also be posted along the way.
For more information on the Studio Tour, contact Marie Walsh at 569-7787.