
OUR HISTORY
May 1984 - May 1985
As part of the Junior Economic Chamber of Valenciennes (jaycees international) on 2000m2, 70 craftsmen of all disciplines, French and European professionals gathered for 3 days in Valenciennes and Raismes on the theme "Living art on a daily basis" events focused on creation, a cultural identity turned on the future.
Director of the Junior Chamber Committee: Françoise Lesaint
Mach 1988
Following these 2 actions that had met with the favor of the public (3000 entries in 2 days) creation of an association of professionals of crafts - ARTISANAL - with as partners craftsmen, the Chamber of Trades, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the City of Valenciennes, the School of Fine Arts and the Tourist Office.
Françoise Lesaint President of the Junior Economic Chamber of Valenciennes in 1986-1987 led the creation of the Association, with Bruno Meunier who represented the Chamber of Trades and crafts and representatives of each partner body. She was elected president of the Craft Association, re-elected every two years until 1998.
Jean-Claude Dabonneville then took over, assisted by the latter who became Honorary President.
1988
Creation of a new exhibition formula: a gallery of crafts for the end-of-year celebrations, in December in Valenciennes: "L'Artisanale" on the theme "Offering art, the art of offering" lasting 11 to 12 days.
1989
The event takes place at the Town Hall of Valenciennes of 35 craftsmen the number has increased to 50 on 550m2 with 2 rooms, in addition to creativity, the craftsmen also demonstrate their know-how in the field of heritage restoration, from 4000 visitors, we go to 15000.
1991
First participation in the trade fair of Valenciennes.
Participation in the 100% craftsmen fair organized by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts
1997
First participation in the Heritage Days: honoring the crafts on the Place d'Armes in Valenciennes
2002
Individual participation of workshops in craft days organized by INMA (every 2 years)
2004
The gallery takes place in the renovated large hall of the Town Hall of Valenciennes on 350m2
2007
The 20th anniversary of the show, exhibition of prestigious pieces
2008
Opening of the event over 2 weekends of 3 days with the presence of craftsmen
2010 - 2014
Participation in the antique fair with the creation of a craft sector partnership with the Lions Club Vallée de l'Escaut, district of Tertiales in Valenciennes.
2012
25th anniversary – prestigious piece made by each craftsman on the theme "25"
Retrospective of the association in video
2017
30th anniversary – realization of a collegial work "Anthology of know-how"
2019
Acquisition and exhibition, in Lille, of the work "Florilège de savoir-faire" by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts of Hauts de France
2022
35th anniversary - prestigious pieces on the theme of nature and the environment