A Fond Farewell from Lauri
At the beginning of 2010 we
planted the first seeds to grow the Salish Sea Market. Since then, some
wonderfully deep roots have grown with our talented family of artists, our
loyal customers both in-person and online, as well as with the surrounding community. Through the efforts and commitment of all involved we’ve produced a
living, breathing venture that flourishes more and more each year.A warm, beautiful Spring has most certainly arrived on the shores of the Salish Sea, and brought with it the winds of change.
I have two important announcements to share with you.
The first is that after much deliberation, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Market and turn my attention to new adventures.
As a co-creator of the Salish Sea Market, it's been a wonderful journey to build it alongside Sharon, with the valuable assistance of our bookkeeper Simone and teammate Joanne, from concept to reality. I've enjoyed looking beyond the skeptical expressions from the folks who wondered in the early days if an art gallery could grow, let alone succeed, in the tiny rural community of Bowser. What we know now is that the Market has become a key draw to our area, and become a destination for locals, tourists, as well as for Vancouver Islanders from other parts of the island.
The real joy for me though, has been in the relationships we have built with the people - artists and customers alike. It's been an absolute privilege to have a front row seat to watch our artists grow, stretch and reach new heights with their art. And it's been a joy to meet so many wonderful people who frequent the Market because they love to be surrounded by such artistic inspiration. We've shared laughter, tears, high-fives, sorrow and celebration. It just doesn't get much better than that.
And now for the second announcement. Please join me in congratulating Sharon as she takes the helm at the Salish Sea Market. I look forward to seeing how she will offer her personal flavour to the Market and take it to new levels of excellence.
Both Sharon and I are looking forward to our respective new chapters, and we hope you'll join us as we celebrate the fabulously artful journey of the last four years, as well as the exciting new adventures that lie ahead for each of us.
So, I wholeheartedly offer my thanks to each of you for being a part of this journey with me.
With love,
Lauri
