ALL THINGS FRENCH: The French Art Bazaar is good news for the community and Francophiles
HANDMADE headbands, hair clips, homemade soaps, fine wines and champagne -- all this and more were available at the French Art Bazaar in Publika Solaris Dutamas.
The bazaar was held on April 15 as a supporting event to the upcoming Fuyoh Bazaar this month. It is organised on the last Sunday of every month.
Event organiser and retail consultant Nina Kahar said the bazaar mainly focused on arts and crafts from France.
"This time around, we are focusing on a niche market, which is the French community," said Nina.
She said the exhibitors were carefully selected as the bazaar was small.
"The exhibitors are selected based on arts and crafts -- we want the bazaar to have a French culture feel to it," said Nina.
Bubble Lab owner Chelsey Lim, who makes her own soaps as well as aromatic oils, said that she was fortunate to join the bazaar.
"My products are made from recycled items. The espresso soap, for example, is made from recycled coffee beans from Starbucks and other coffee shops," she said.
Lim learnt the skills from her previous job working at a soap factory.
Nicholas Lim, of Moo Creative Arts, makes miniature clay toys. He sells handmade clay accessories like key chains and fridge magnets which he designed.
"This is my hobby, I can make a miniature clay toy in less than three minutes," said Lim.
Meanwhile, Christian Chenut, distributes what is said to be the best wines -- French wines.
"France is well known for producing the finest quality of wines."
The Malay-sian-based wine distributor, travels to his home country to get his stock of wines.
"French wine is made from 100 per cent pure grapes and there is no chemical added," he said.
Mirjana Malignon of Magical Foliage, who sells jewellery made of precious and semi-precious stones, said her designer helped her create her jewellery.
Most of the booth owners like Florance Lambert, who owns Gadis Manis, a booth selling doll houses, have been living in Malaysia for many years.
His doll houses have a distinctly Malaysian touch with emphasis on the Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.
"I have been staying in Malaysia for 18 years now and love the diverse cultures of Malaysia," said Lambert.
Venezuelan artist, Sebastian Guzman, who studied at Lim Kok Wing University of Creative Technology, was also there to showcase his art pieces.
"My painting revolves around expressions and feelings. I have been drawing since I was 4 years old," said Guzman.
He said his art pieces, which some may view as "dark art", are expressions of his inner self.
At the bazaar, visitors were also entertained by local underground bands the Malaysian Ukelele Group.
Burmese refugees were also there to share their creative skills in hand-weaving crafts to sell at fair trade prices.
Another interesting booth at the exhibition was called Anakijo by Valerie Baumal.
The booth exhibited graphics of flora and fauna with a touch of batik.
"The batik that I use are mainly from Terengganu," said Baumal.
At the bazaar, there were also booths selling food such as bread and pastas as well as coffees.
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