A market of discoveries at l'Interlope in Neuchâtel

News Mondays - Hélène Lavoyer

As we quickly climb the metal steps leading up to l'Interlope (Neuchâtel), the breeze whips across our faces and infiltrates the nooks and crannies of our clothes. The need for warmth and human contact is gradually making itself felt. Silence, the season's guest, knows how to inhabit the outside, aided by the cold; but no sooner is the door ajar than joy, longed-for warmth and the smell of tea penetrate us from all sides, to the vibrations of lively music chosen by the’Space 032. Welcome to X-MAS KIOSK!

It took place yesterday at rue de l'Evole 39A, in the Case à Chocs building, a landmark of Neuchâtel life. It was the charming Stéphanie Harsch and Chrystel Clément, the former a restaurateur and designer of vinyl turntables and jewelry, the latter a jeweler and jeweller (owner of the bijouterie 2XC in Neuchâtel), who provided the impetus for this small indoor Christmas market. They were the ones who contacted all the merchants exhibiting at the time.

«We really wanted to bring together different artists, from Switzerland and abroad, who would present diversified works, in a price range from the smallest to the largest wallets,» they announce. She adds: «We wanted to find a warm place, and offer catering, so that people could take their time.»

After this first meeting, which was indeed smiling and joyful, we set off to meet artists, artisans and vendors. The organizers wanted diversity? It's fair to say that no two stands are alike, no two ideas are alike, and no two talents are alike.

Whether for creations TIMART, The range includes t-shirts, greeting cards and bags printed with one of his precise and lively designs, as well as the store owner's furniture. PRYMA immobilier or the beautiful bracelets created by David Gama for his online store AdGy.store, creative minds are in a state of ferment. They inspire, amuse and, sometimes, question.

Guillaume Chappuis has a phenomenal passion for nibs and mechanical pencils, whose collection comes in a multitude of colors, designs and ages - including a collection of prototypes. Caran d'Ache most of them of extraordinary beauty and precision.

Even more than the object that enables the noble act of writing, it's the man's passion that we tip our hat to. Driven by the desire to give objects back their usefulness, he also taught himself to renovate his nibs. For us, he unlocks some of the keys to his craft - he's the only one to do it in Switzerland - and takes the time to explain. Together, we uncap a few more of the wonders on display, try them on, and remain enchanted by this friendly contact.

This event has aroused the curiosity of the public: even though it's being held for the first time, around sixty people share this convivial space. And that's just in the hour and a half we spent there. People of all ages and backgrounds meet and smile at each other, discuss the works and other innovative ideas. Our hearts warmed by this electric Sunday, one thought persists even as the door closes: «I hope there's a new Kiosk next year!.

Write to the author: lavoyer.helene@gmail.com 

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