Some of us attend markets. Others build them.
You might be more familiar with the local markets than the driving force behind them - let us introduce you to Vanessa Antoniuk. She is the Founder and organizer of Wholly Handmade (the OG of handmade markets in Strathcona County); NOSH Food Fest; and *NEW for 2026 - Art Fest. Vanessa’s local markets built the scene in Strathcona County and they continue to set the standard.
Local to Sherwood Park, Vanessa is a graduate of the Business Marketing program at NAIT and has successfully operated her own business since 2012. She is happily married, a proud fun-loving mom to two accomplished kids, an avid bowler, and a fierce supporter of local business. This year, she was also elected to the Board of Directors for the Women in Business Association Strathcona County, serving in the (seemingly obvious) role of Events Committee Chair.
Today, Vanessa is driven by her own mission, “I help people earn a living at what they love to do, not what they have to do”.
Wholly Handmade
Wholly Handmade is Strathcona County’s premier artisan market experience, the community’s original market of handmade products, since 2015. It isn’t just another vendor event. It’s a carefully curated experience built on one simple rule: everything must be 100% handmade.
Vanessa isn’t just helping local makers, artists, and food producers sell their work, she is helping them elevate their products. You can be sure you will find the best at Wholly Handmade.
If you love discovering one-of-a-kind treasures, meeting passionate local makers, and supporting small businesses, then you will love Wholly Handmade.
Some fast facts:
- Each market features over 135 vendors of Canadian-made products
- Vanessa leverages a rotating list of vendors to curate a fresh experience for shoppers at every market
- Each vendor submits photos to be juried - she is looking for handmade, unique and high quality items; vendors who craft with intention, creativity, and care
- Categories are limited so you won’t see too much of the same thing
Building More Than a Market
Wholly Handmade has grown into something much bigger since it launched 11 years ago. Vanessa partnered with Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce on their annual trade show for the past few years, helping drive higher volumes of traffic and more diverse experiences for event-goers; and through Vanessa’s partnership with Taste of Edmonton, she has expanded her impact with THE MARKET, an artisan showcase featured within the festival.
In 2020, Vanessa expanded her vision to celebrate Alberta’s incredible food and beverage producers with NOSH Food Fest. This isn’t your typical food festival - it’s an exclusive, curated experience that highlights the best of local, giving producers a platform to connect directly with their community.
And now, in 2026, she’s adding another layer to the scene.
Art Fest is Vanessa’s newest venture - an indoor event designed to showcase original, handmade art created from raw materials like paint, clay, and wood. It’s a space for artists to reach new audiences and for visitors to experience creativity in a more immersive way.
Meeting the Makers
One of the best parts of these markets is the opportunity to connect directly with local artisans and food producers. You’re not just buying a product - you’re meeting the person who designed it, created it, and poured their passion into it. Whether it’s a small business owner launching their first collection, a novice baker, or a seasoned artisan with a loyal following, every conversation adds meaning to your purchase.
Supporting Handmade Matters
Shopping at markets like Wholly Handmade has a ripple effect in our community:
- Supports local entrepreneurs and keeps your money circling the community
- Encourages creativity and craftsmanship
- Reduces reliance on mass-produced goods
- Builds meaningful community connections
It’s a simple way to shop more intentionally - while discovering items that feel personal and unique.
Vanessa is the kind of human that is a champion of her community, while building events that reminds us just how talented our local community really is.
Upcoming Markets
- Wholly Handmade - April 18 / 19 - at the Agora
- Wholly Handmade - May 23 / 24 - at the Agora
- The Market at Taste of Edmonton - July 16 - 26
- Wholly Handmade - August 29 /30 - at the Agora
- Art Fest - September 19/20 - at the Agora
- Wholly Handmade - October 24 / 25
- Wholly Handmade - November 21 / 22
- Wholly Handmade - December 11 / 13
Written by Jennifer Hillmer, April 2026. Jennifer Hillmer is the founder and primary blog writer for ExploreStrathconaCounty.com and Hillmer Design and Creative. She has been a resident of Strathcona County since 2006.