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Islanders and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the beauty and creativity of the local craft, art and giftware industry, says Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

Building on the success of the annual Studio Tour, a new summer-long initiative called Discover Island Studios will raise awareness and increase traffic to studios across Prince Edward Island. The theme for 2010 is “Add a Little Island to Your Life.”

“Prince Edward Island has a rich history and culture in creating some of the best craft, art and giftware items in the world,” said Minister Campbell. “As minster responsible for this industry, I am proud of the work that our artists and artisans are doing as it contributes to the local economy and culture of our province.”

The idea behind the “Add a Little Island to Your Life” campaign is to encourage everyone to consider the work of Island artisans in a new light. Aside from their aesthetic value, many of these products are practical as day-to-day items such as pottery dinnerware, hand-blown glass, woven place mats, and metal and woodwork. As gift items, they are one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

“As a local artisan, I am pleased to see continued support for this industry,” said Teri Hall of Fire and Water Creations in Bay Fortune, PEI. “The 2010 Discover Island Studios promotional campaign will help increase awareness of the work that Island artists and artisans do in promoting quality, handmade giftware items. I look forward to another busy season.”

With the summer season fast approaching, Studio Tour Maps will be available to indicate where craft, art and giftware shops are located across the Island. Brochures, placemats and other promotional materials will be distributed to Visitor Information Centres, restaurants and other visible locations across the province all summer long.

The summer of 2010 will culminate in an Islander Appreciation Event during the Labour Day Weekend in September. During the Islander Appreciation Event, shoppers will be able to save the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on Island-made crafts, art and giftware at participating studios across Prince Edward Island.

“The Discover Island Studios initiative is a terrific opportunity for Islanders and visitors to get involved with local artisans and to find out what Prince Edward Island has to offer,” said Minister Campbell. “The Government of Prince Edward Island continues to support the craft, art and giftware industry through Innovation PEI. The goal is to grow business opportunities for artists and artisans across our on Island community.”

For more information, please visit www.PEIStudios.ca.