Artisan market goes cultural during Kaamatan festival

KOTA KINABALU: Creative workshops, art and culture talks, as well as art exhibitions can be expected during the Jesselton Artisan Market (JAM) happening this weekend, in conjunction with Kaamatan.

The monthly event, which features skilled artisans and their creations, aims to bring some cultural flavour in its May edition to celebrate the harvest festival.

Happening on Saturday and Sunday (May 7 - 8) at The Walk, Riverson downtown, over 100 artisan and food and beverage (F&B) brands will have booths in the market, the largest numbers so far for this year.

Local musicians will take the stage to showcase their talents too, said JAM organiser Aaron Lam in a statement.

“Kaamatan is a major festival celebrated here in Sabah, and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce the culture through art talks, exhibitions and workshops conducted by talented artists and cultural revival artisans.

“The highlight would also include native cuisine that can be sampled and bought at the market.

“We would like to invite the public to attend the art talks such as “Cultural Revival and the Role of Artists,” and to experience weaving or hands-on batik and watercolour painting during the workshops.

“You can register for these at www.jesseltonartisanmarket.com, as well as get more information from the website,” said Lam.

A small scale launching programme is also set on Saturday noon, which is slated to be attended by Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Chan Foong Hin, Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang, as well as two of last year’s Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant) finalists Tracie Sinidol of Tambunan and Mella Christian Anderson from Matunggong.