The Innovation Department of Gramado participated as an exhibitor at the 37th edition of Festuris – Gramado International Tourism Fair, presenting different initiatives and projects that work with children, women, and professionals connected to the municipality’s culture and arts sector.
The shared space featured the exhibition and sale of products made by three Gramado-based projects: Mãos Fraternas, Valentinas, and Pequenos Artesãos. The funds raised will be directed toward the continuation of the programs.
Valentinas Becomes a Cooperative
Valentinas was founded in 2018 through a municipal social assistance reference center. “It started as a social group for women, and it was realized that sewing could generate income. This year, we are participating in an incubation program with Sicredi, and in September we became a women’s cooperative — we are 10 members. We continue in partnership with the City Hall of Gramado, with a studio provided by the Department of Culture, and partnerships with the Department of Innovation,” explains the group’s psychologist, Francine Bossardi.
This was the project’s third year at Festuris. “It’s very positive — we make many connections, beyond sales and contacts, all of which help strengthen the brand and increase recognition. Sometimes it’s not about the value of the sale itself, but everything that unfolds in the following months,” she says.
The project has an ecological approach, reusing materials and collecting industrial waste or sourcing materials from thrift shops. “At Festuris, we launched a new, colorful spring collection with five new models of bags and accessories, working with twill fabric acquired from thrift stores and zero-carbon eco-leather,” she celebrates.
Prices for these items start at R$ 78, depending on the accessory and model. “Because they are made from fabric scraps, no two products are the same — customers always purchase something exclusive,” she concludes.
Event Debut
Leani Streich participated in Festuris Gramado for the first time. She attended with the Pequenos Artesãos project, alongside two other professionals. The artisans are dedicated to sharing crochet knowledge with young children and beginners. “One day, at the Joaquina Fair, we said: ‘Let’s create the project.’ And everything happened very quickly — we secured the colorful little house at Vila Joaquina, and now we’ve obtained this space. I’m from here and had never attended Festuris before — it’s been wonderful,” she said.
Part of the revenue from sales will be allocated to purchasing needles, thread, and yarn for the project. At the venue, visitors found items starting at R$ 15, such as refrigerator magnets. There were also more elaborate pieces made using the amigurumi technique. An image of Our Lady of Aparecida, for example, was sold for R$ 70.
Text: Festuris/Press Office
Photos: Projects’ Social Media
