Die Active Celebrate Milestone with Local Vintage Vendors

Story by Melanie Larson, Photo by Chondon Photography

This year marks the tenth annual Die Active Y-ART Sale, and what a productive ten years it’s been. Inspired by zine fairs such as Expozine in Montreal, the folks at Die Active set out to create a space in which Thunder Bay’s own “young blooded DIY energy” could be harnessed and celebrated. In what Die Active founder Lora Northway fondly describes as “a grassy field behind the Hoito,” the Y-ART Sale was born, and on Saturday, August 17, the Thunder Bay community can join them in celebrating this milestone event.

Since its inception the Die Active Art Collective has dedicated itself to “observing all artistic endeavours and interests of young people in Northwestern Ontario,” says Northway. Each year, the programming offered at Die Active adapts to fit the ever-changing interests of the area, which is why the growth of independent vintage clothing vendors caught their eye. “Dozens of impassioned creatives are using Instagram daily to upload treasures that they have collected or created or altered. It’s important that defsup and die active [sic] nurture the new community of makers.”

One of the main attractions of the 2019 Y-ART Sale is the vintage flea market curated by local vendor Thrifty Kid Vintage. This year will also feature seventy other vendors including vintage clothing coven Weyward Sisters, visual artists Shelby Gagnon, Boy Roland, and designer Heavy Sleeper Co. “The Y-ART Sale smacks together every kind of maker and seller,” says Northway. “It gives the 70 vendors a chance to build their own community and brainstorm future collaborative projects and invite each other to their happenings.”

Not only can you score some unique, curated, throwback digs, but you’ll also be supporting a culture of “recycling, reusing, and doing it yourself,” explains Northway. It’s fashionable and responsible! Aside from clothing, those who attend can expect live music, cold brew from St. Paul Roastery, fresh lemonade courtesy of Weyward Sisters, art in all forms from local vendors, and more. There will also be a raffle prize that will feature one art piece or craft from every vendor. 

The Y-ART Sale takes place on Cooke Street from 11am to 4pm. For more information visit, definitelysuperior.com/10th-annual-y-art-sale/.