Patches is not just about setting up a market and selling. The aim of Patches is to sparkle off another branch in the local contemporary-art-scene as we believe that it is not given necessary attention.
Patches will bring together talented artists, designers, stylists, and craftspeople all at one destination. It is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the quality, handcrafted and locally designed. It is also the perfect opportunity to purchase original and unique Christmas presents for your friends and families.
The fourth (Christmas) edition of Patches is happening on December 12, at Valletta's indoor market known as Is-Suq tal-Belt, at Merchants Street, between 10.30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
An accordian band will be playing Christmas carols at the market, in the afternoon.
As many as 37 designers and artists will be participating, showcasing their handmade creations. This editions participants are: Maria Muscat, Rachel Robinson, Jessica Mulvaney, Charlene Mercieca, Silvana Mallia, Sue Mifsud, Felix Aquilina, Elizia Vassallo, Claudine Ancilleri, Chrys Brace, Emma Waterhouse, Pat Holtom, Louis Cauchi Savona, Jessica Psaila, Marie Claire Gatt, Yasmin Modi, Svetlik Muscat, Denise Scicluna, Kevin Morris, Eleanor Mifsud, Jackie Roberts, Sarah Micallef, Elena Toncheva, Victoria Theuma, Julie Apap, Jo Pike, Andrea and Thomas, Plum Factory, Rachel and Louise Sammut, Joanne Zammit, Kumpanijja Kartolini, Antonella Grima, Ruth Zammit, Martina Spiteri, Nancye Church, Clemens Hasengschwandtner.
Patches is curated by Denise Scicluna (www.denisescicluna.com) and Jimmy Grima (www.jimmygrima.com).
So far Patches was has been held outdoors – at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, because of the good weather of the past months. However now that Autumn has started and winter will soon be with us, Ms Scicluna said that finding “an indoor location is pivotal. I've always been impressed by the indifference and lack of appreciation towards the indoor market in Valletta, which at first glance seems to be abandoned.
“If you observe the location you can see that it is aesthetically beautiful especially if you look at the upper architecture. I feel that it is not given the necessary attention and some people don't even know it exists. And I always thought that a market will fit so appropiately in this location. I think there is no obvious link between the market and the location except for the fact that through Patches we are trying to give life to the arts and crafts industry, and in the same we are trying to make people appreciate this wonderful location and give life to it.
Ms Scicluna said that after this special Christmas edition, “Patches will continue on bi monthly basis throughout 2011 with the aim of having more designers each time. We really want the Patches community to grow with each edition. So far it's been happening and I hope that 2011 would be even better”.
More information can be found on www.patchesmarket.com or on Patches facebook group.