Creativity at its best: UniCréa ed. 20: Art, Fashion, & Deco at the Château de La Sarraz from 5-8 November 2015

THE biannual creative extravaganza that is the UniCréa Art, Fashion and Deco Salon opens for its 20th edition this weekend at the beautiful renaissance-era Château de la Sarraz at La Sarraz, located between Lausanne and Yverdon-les-Bains and easily accessible by car or train.

More than 100 artisans participate at UniCréa and offer for sale unique, largely handmade pieces of art (paintings, sculpture), fashion (clothes, shoes and jewellery) and decor (furniture, lamps) celebrating the seven “Universes” of Wood, Metal, Earth, Glass, Textiles, Stone and Paint.

Every year the artists are challenged to create artworks on a given theme and the one chosen for the 20th edition is “Like a new Life” (Comme une nouvelle vie). During the salon, visitors can vote for the artisan who they believe best fulfills the brief; the winner will be invited free of charge to the next edition of UniCréa.

You can see some of the designs submitted so far on UniCréa’s Facebook page.

Needless to say, you’ll find creations that are unlike any found elsewhere and it’s especially satisfying to know that purchasing an item from one of the participants means you’re supporting independent creative artists and small businesses. Some of the proceeds will be donated to “Hallo Kongo“, UniCréa’s sponsorship choice for this 20th edition.

Pay a visit to the UniCréa website to find out about opening hours and entry fees, to register your child (from 7 years of age) for a Saturday or Sunday art workshop, and to see the programme of special events (artistic performances and demos, a fashion show) that will be offered. I hope you’ll give it a go and if you do, let me know what you think of it.

Tip: If you’re interested in learning from some of the talented artists who participate at UniCréa, then check out the choice of classes in a variety of artistic mediums that is still available this autumn (and for 2016) at `A qui le tour? Cours de Création pour tous. Courses take place at the Château de La Sarraz.

The cost of courses is CHF 35.- per hour for a four-hour class and CHF 30.- per hour for an eight-hour class. Materials and a good ambience are included in the price.