Art and Craft Expo
Saltmills Plaza, 363 Grace Bay Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales
The Art and Craft Expo is an annual, two-day market usually scheduled for a weekend in early December. First organized in 2009, the market is typically held at the Saltmills Plaza in central Grace Bay and features the work of local artisans—from jewelry and paintings to bath salts and crafts—for sale.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is home to a growing community of artists and creatives who work in many types of media. All of the items and gifts for sale at the Art and Craft Expo are handmade in Turks and Caicos.
This event is a great place to do your Christmas shopping, whether you're a resident or tourist—many purchases are lightweight and small enough to travel home with you in your luggage. Historically, local schools have delivered small musical performances at the market.
What You Can Expect
Expect to see numerous shaded tables lining the parking area around the central gazebo of the Saltmills Plaza courtyard. In past years, artists and shops have sold pottery, coffee, tote bags, T-shirts, resin art, and specialty soaps.
Popular vendors include The Wellington Collection, Anna's Art Gallery, and JSquared Designs.
The Turk's Head Brewery usually brings its mobile taphouse to the event, providing delicious, locally brewed beer to market patrons. Favorite brews among tourists and locals are the I-Ain-Ga-Lie lager and I-Soon-Reach light lager.
Throughout the weekend, acts from local schools put on performances at the market. Past years have featured caroling, choirs, steel band shows, and even a flash mob.
The big man himself is a regular at the expo, too—keep an eye out for Santa Claus, who’s always happy to hear gift requests from market patrons.
What to Bring and Other Considerations
If you’re planning to do a bit of shopping at the market, bring cash. While some vendors accept credit card, most do not, and card readers in the Turks and Caicos Islands frequently go offline. Vendors generally can make change for hundred dollar bills, but it’s always smart to carry small bills, such as fives, tens, and twenties, just in case.
Prices for goods and gifts differ based on the vendor and item. Artisanal jewelry can cost anywhere between $45 and $100 (2024 prices), sometimes more. Expect to pay about $55 for a small resin painting from The Wellington Collection.
The earlier you go, the greater the availability of gifts and souvenirs at the market. This market is light on food—if you're visiting the expo around lunch or in the late afternoon, book a table at one of the many restaurants in central Grace Bay, such as Big Al’s Island Grill and The Farm on Grace Bay.
Located at Saltmills Plaza
The Saltmills Plaza is a retail and professional enclave, located in the heart of Grace Bay on Providenciales. The plaza is home to many shops, a police station, a bank, law firms, and government offices. Adjacent to the Saltmills Plaza are the Regent Village and Le Vele Plaza.