Kelsey Kromodimoeljo is the Sales Coordinator for Ottawa Magazine and loves the ins and outs of working for a magazine. In her spare time, she can be found exploring the Ottawa food scene while aspiring to eat less meat. Follow her on Twitter @kelseykromodi.
Ottawa prides itself in multiculturalism — it basically exemplifies the societal notion we have of the Canadian cultural mosaic. Rather than forging a one-dimensional melting pot, we tend to maintain our traditions and promote our origins. Although cuisine is the aspect we see this in most prominently, often we miss out on the fantastic arts of these cultures. It is a shame, because artisan work is still very much thriving in many developing countries.
My own personal trips to Bali and Java, Indonesia gave me the chance to visit artisan workshops and see up close the intricacy and incredible talent behind the handmade and one-of-a-kind arts and handicrafts. Wanderlust folks travel far and wide to collect these unique works of art. Here in Ottawa, the annual Third World Bazaar gives us the chance to take in amazing international finds.
The Third World Bazaar is run by the world-travelling Bakker family who purchase fairly traded treasures from developing countries and sell their eclectic collection in a Manotick barn. This annual Bazaar, which celebrates its 11 anniversary this year, opens for several weeks in the fall and displays a splendor of products from countries including Turkey, Peru, Mexico, and Indonesia. The barn is set up to look like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. Discover for yourself the beautiful collection of home and garden accents, furniture, art, and musical instruments from around the globe. You are bound to find an eye-catching piece for the mosaic of décor in your home.
The Third World Bazaar runs for seven weekends — each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Oct. 3 through Nov. 16.
Entry is free, and a donation to Habitat for Humanity gets you a coffee. The Bakker family also accepts non-perishable food items for Shepherds of Good Hope, and sell pumpkins and apple cider to support Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Click on the thumbnails for a slideshow of images from Third World Bazaar.
