About Us
The Sudbury Artisans Collective was founded by two friends, Jessica and Kelly, who wanted to create a supportive, inclusive, and diverse community of fellow artisans. Our goal was simple—makers supporting makers. We wanted to create an inviting and uplifting atmosphere where everyone wins, together. Through our belief in fostering creativity and connection, we aim to grow our local artist community
Mission Statement
SAC Team
Kelly Hanninen, BSc.
Sudbury Artisans Collective Co-Founder
Kelly is a graphic designer, illustrator, and social media manager. Her skill sets ensure that SAC maintains a strong, cohesive digital footprint and creates engaging print and social media advertising. Kelly’s skills help us to promote local artisans in fun and aesthetically pleasing ways through her social media knowledge. Kelly’s expertise will also help us create and maintain a strong online presence through our website, socials, and e-commerce shop, as well as locally with engaging print marketing and branding. Kelly is a maker who creates merchandise with her designs, including stickers, stationery, handmade books, and more.
Jessica Lamirande MA, BA,
Sudbury Artisans Collective Co-Founder
Jessica is a local artist who specializes in Fiber Art. Jessica has been participating in local markets for several years as both a vendor and an organizer. Jessica has a background in administration, and has acted as the Executive Director for many nonprofit organizations within the city. In this capacity, Jessica has engaged in financial planning, and daily bookkeeping. Jessica is Lean certified, and enjoys planning and plotting processes. Jessica worked for multiple years in property maintenance, and as such has knowledge in repairing drywall, painting and basic property improvements. Jessica acts as the contact person for makers. She works with them to come up with solutions, field questions and ensure accountability. Following her graduate work – Jessica instructed courses at Laurentian University in the fields of Political Science, Sociology and Labour Studies, and has gained a passion for teaching others, this has carried through in her desire to show others how they can create their own art.
Community Involvement
SAC gives back! We strongly believe that community is built upon mutual aid and grassroots involvement. That’s why we are proud to support local causes whenever we can. We are constantly amazed and grateful for the willingness of our community to come together and help support the causes that we believe in, and the generosity of our supporters is endlessly astounding. We truly can’t do it without your help!
No Human is Illegal - T-shirt fundraiser for the ACLU
SAC was founded by two political punks who believe in loudly standing up for fundamental human rights and fighting for equality, equity, and accessibility for all. We couldn’t sit around and do nothing while our marginalized brothers and sisters are under attack by policymakers who want to strip them of their basic human rights under the Trump administration. We created a t-shirt with a message we fully believe, and the profits of each shirt sold are being donated to the ACLU to continue to do their essential work of protecting human rights and helping those who need it most in these uncertain times. At the time of writing, we have donated [AMOUNT] and counting towards the important work they do at the ACLU.
Silent Auction donation to the 2025 SWC IWD Gala
Our collective of makers generously donated their artisanal items towards a basket of local handmade gifts in support of the 2025 SWC International Women’s Day Gala. Proceeds of the silent auction raised funds in support of SWC and the work they do to support women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in our community.
Funds raised for the Lion’s Club of Sudbury
As part of our 2024 Christmas Spirits Market, in lieu of an entry fee, we collected donations benefiting the Lion’s Club of Canada Sudbury branch. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to raise [AMOUNT] in support of the Lions.
Halloween Costume Drive for the Sudbury Women’s Centre (SWC)
During our 2024 Handcrafted Boo-tique Market, we collected halloween costumes in support of the clients at SWC. Our supporters generously donated over [AMOUNT] of new and gently-loved halloween costumes to help families served by SWC have a safe and happy halloween.
Menstrual Hygiene drive for the Sudbury Women’s Centre (SWC)
As part of our 2024 In Bloom Spring Market, we hosted a menstrual hygiene drive in support of SWC. In lieu of an entry fee, we requested donations of menstrual hygiene products, and our supporters really outdid themselves! We collected [AMOUNT] of menstrual hygiene products on behalf of SWC.