Alison Grapes
Alison Grapes is a painter and art educator residing in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Although working primarily with acrylics, Alison also enjoys the process and tactile qualities of painting with beeswax in the encaustic tradition, dating back 2000 years. She is passionate about capturing Canadian rural landscapes, and is inspired by the traditions of Canada’s Group of Seven. She enjoys the challenge of creating layers of colours in order to create a sense of depth as well as a sense of light.
A formally trained artist, Alison received a B.F.A. from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, Halifax, NS. a Diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe College, London, ON., returning to university in 2008 Alison completed a B.Ed. at Memorial University, St. John’s NFLD.
Alison now works fulltime as a painter, as well as offering art lessons to youth and adults.
Sarah Beck
Wildfire Pottery...
www.wildfirepottery.ca
Gayle Bird
Inspired by the beauty of natural gemstones, whimsically-shaped glass, and beachcombed material,
Gayle crafts exceptional jewellery out of silver wire. Rediscover elements such as coal, emeralds, shells,
amethyst, peridot, and glass in these fresh designs she’s sketched permanently in wire.
Katheryn Gordon
Following several successful careers as an artist, surgical intensive care nurse and classical pianist, teacher and performer, Katheryn Gordon, MPA, transformed her passion for caring and performing into the art of capturing and creating photographic portraits.In four short years, Katheryn Gordon has caught the attention of clients and professional colleagues with her original photographic art.
Her previous career paths include care giving as an intensive care nurse and teaching and performing classical music. Her warmth and compassion combined with her love of music give her a unique perspective. Katheryn took to creating digital images with the encouragement of her husband Warren, who, with his extensive photographic background and experience, proved a natural resource to her artistic eye.
She was awarded the Nikon Award of Excellence at the 2002 National Print Salon of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), and has been recognized by her peers for Best Commercial Print by the Maritime Professional Photographers Association (MPPA).
Katheryn was named the Maritime Professional Photographers Association (MPPA) Photographer of the Year in 2004, 2005 and 2008 and was a finalist for Canadian Portrait Photographer of the Year 2007 and 2008.
Katheryn presented a very special event at this year’s Professional Photographers of Canada Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Share the Passion”, a “live” performance of classical and Celtic music by Katheryn and her musical guests from the Cape Breton Chamber Orchestra took take place as her award-winning images are viewed. This unique and refreshing presentation involved Katheryn discussing the evolution of her images and what it takes to create an award-winning portrait. She will take you on a journey through her life and enlighten you with a desire to give 100% at all times.
Warren Gordon
For over thirty-five years Warren Gordon has been documenting lives and events in the Cape Breton community. From his downtown studio and gallery on Charlotte Street in Sydney, Warren has provided professional photographic services to graduates, families, the business community, and wedding parties. Mr. Gordon has also captured the vibrant Cape Breton culture with original portraits of artists and performers and exciting images of entertainment and cultural gatherings.
His affection for the Island can be experienced in the books and calendars which document the beauty of the land and the spirit of the residents. Warren's popular Cape Breton Island calendar has been published every year since 1987, and he has published nine books of Cape Breton photographs.
Mr. Gordon has also photographed Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and much of the rest of Canada, including the Rocky Mountains.
In 2003, Warren was awarded the Master’s Bar for his Master of Photographic Arts (MPA) degree. In 2007 Warren captured the award for Top Pictorial Image from the Professional Photographers of Canada - Atlantic.
Joe McKinnon
JOE (Josef ) McKinnon has been carving approximately 18 years . About 18 years ago Josef took ill,forcing him to sell a small business he had operated for 22 years. On doctors suggestion to spend some quiet time he went to Margaree,where one day out of boredom, he took a piece of pine and started to carve. Josef liked the end result,and he's been at it ever since. He was giving the carvings to his family,when his children convinced him to put his carvings out in a roadside stand ,as what he was creating was FOLK ART,and he didn't know it. Since that time Josef has been recognized by many in the folk art world, and he has been featured in Lunnenburg FolkArt Festival, invited to show in Toronto's One of a Kind Show, and he has pieces in collections in Countries all over the world.One of the most famous people that has purchased his work is Bill Murray, of movie fame.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Needleit
Joslynn White
A Whitney Pier girl, Joslynn discovered a passion for beach glass collecting while vacationing with my family at Inverness beach a number of years ago. The draw of the oceans treasures and peaceful lull of the waves makes glass collecting one of the most relaxing, therapeutic and rewarding activities I have ever experienced. My passion quickly became somewhat of an addiction that led me to researching beach glass origins, rarity of pieces based on color and the history of the many shipwrecks along the coastal shores of Cape Breton Island. The thrill of trying to determine whether that special piece is from an old town dump, or a sunken ship, from the 1960’s or as far back as the 1800’s has fuelled my passion for wanting to share these beautiful treasures.
Having always been involved in artistic activities such as tole painting, needlepoint, and Christmas craft making: I had to find something creative to do with the ever growing collection of beach glass and pottery. In 2010 I began creating simple jewellery pieces for family and friends. I am self taught and have never taken any formal training in jewellery making but am continually learning through personal research . In 2011 I joined MECCA-a small collective of local artists working out of their homes. Pieces have been sold locally as well to individuals from various parts of Canada.
All jewellery, wind chimes and tree ornaments are made from authentic, naturally ocean tumbled beach glass, pottery, or stone. The majority of my pieces have been collected on the shore of Inverness beach. There are some pieces however that have been collected on other Cape Breton beaches. Items are made in their original state and therefore often imperfect and unpolished. This helps to show the authenticity and age of the piece. If you prefer a shine finish you can simply rub the glass with a dab of mineral oil.
Sue MacLean
Barb Cann
Sue MacLean and Barb Cann are sisters who have been quilting for over 15 years. They enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of creating a quilt and share many a smile and laugh throughout the process. All their quilts are made with 100% cotton and hand tied. Their quilts combine traditional patterns with contemporary colours and ideas. Take a little piece of their Cape Breton home with you.
Our lives are like quilts – bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love.
Author Unknown
Mary Yurchesyn
Mary Yurchesyn is a Cape Breton Artist whose work is inspired by everyday family life and the beauty of the Cape Breton and PEI landscape. She grew up on a dairy farm outside Sydney and continues to make Cape Breton her home.
She has been painting for more than 25 years and enjoys both oil and watercolour. She takes every opportunity to paint and study with her fellow island artists and enjoys sharing ideas and admiring everyone's unique style.She believes there is always something new to learn from the people who share her love of painting.
Wendy Smith/GlassArtisans
The gallery and studio is owned by Wendy Smith, a stained glass artist whose work is featured in the gallery along with many others.
Glass Artisans features the work of many glass artisans and other artists. Their work include
BLOWN GLASS, FLAMEWORKING, FUSED GLASS, HAND PAINTED GLASS, JEWELERY,
PRINTS AND PICTURES, as well as
STAINED GLASS
www.glassartisans.ca
Barbara Longva
Sew Inclined has been in business for 18 years on the Cabot Trail,I make one of a kind hats and clothing, specializing in hats and period clothing...
You can find me at my shop 7 days a week, making funky hats and clothing and if you come on in, you can even try them on. It's a fun stop on route around the Cabot Trail. I'll be wearing my funky hat for sure. And you can find many of my hats at Artisans in the Attic.
Janet Dawson
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bobbin-Tree
Cape Breton's only loom and wheel dealer, with tons of yarns and fibre and loads of other supplies
(some locally made!) for spinning, weaving, felting, dyeing and knitting. Classes, too!.
Speak yarn, sheep, cats or chocolate? This is the place for you! I love loiterers who speak my language.
Feel free to bring chocs to share. ;
Brenda Reichel / Tears of Glass
jewelry pieces using local, hand combed beach glass. Inverness, Cape Breton is the picturesque
backdrop for my studio and my life. Our community and the local beaches inspire my creations
and fuels my imagination.
I pride myself in using 100% original, un- modified or tumbled Sea Glass, combined with top
quality metals and materials to produce gorgeous jewelry
http://www.tearsofglass.ca
MJ MacPhail-Loughlin
100 % Natural Beauty, Bath and Body Products . Pure & Simple Ingredients !
Darren Adams / Stone Image Studio
Unique designs are limited only by your imagination. Darren G Adams owner and designer.
