Feira de Artesanato da Covilhã from 4th to 7th June 2009

Madeiran handicrafts will be making a stand at the XV Feira Nacional de Artesanato da Covilhã (Covilhã XV National Handicraft Fair), running from the 4th to the 7^th of June 2009. Its participation is the fruit of an initiative by the Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira, I.P. (Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute, P. I.), its purpose being to promote Madeiran handicrafts while also supporting Madeiran artisans. Madeiran handicrafts will be making a stand at the XV Feira Nacional de Artesanato da Covilhã (Covilhã XV National Handicraft Fair), running from the 4th to the 7^th of  June 2009. Its participation is the fruit of an initiative by the Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira, I.P. (Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute, P. I.), its purpose being to promote Madeiran handicrafts while also supporting Madeiranartisans. The Madeira Committee is made up of Noélia Palma, from the IVBAM Promotion Division and four Madeiran artisans who will be demonstrating their art live. The artisan, Rui Alves, will present traditional Porto Santo windmills and work made of seashells. The artisan, Conceição Freitas, will be displaying work made from corn husk, such as the traditional cottages of Santana, corn husk dolls, floral arrangements and nativity scenes, while the artisan, Emanuel Severino Nóbrega, will be showcasing the age-old art of producing wooden sculptures in miniature barrels, fashioned with fire and skill. The artisan, José Sousa, will be displaying traditional “Vilão” (villager) boots, traditionally made from kid and cow hide. It is worth noting that, for the most part, these artisans make their living from their art. Each artisan has their own stand, provided by the Town Hall of Covilhã, which sponsored the artisans’ attendance at the fair. The stands will be decorated with images echoing each artisan’s particular art. Furthermore, this is another opportunity to make regional traditions known through handicrafts. Their presence at this fair is co-funded by the European Union via the Promoção do Bordado Madeira (Madeira Embroidery Promotion) Project.