Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, there’s no shortage of amazing artists. From painters and potters to playwrights, filmmakers, blacksmiths and everything in between, there is talent seeping out of every nook and cranny.
This year for the holiday season, we encourage you to support local by giving the gift of local art. Whether you’re in the market for tickets to a play or musical production, or perhaps a painting or piece of literature, there’s something out there to suit every interest and budget.
We’ve assembled just a few items from our local creative community in our gift guide. Have a look, or visit an artist’s studio or shop near you to find something truly unique and special for this holiday season!
Riddle Fence
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Riddle Fence Subscription
Riddle Fence is the only independent journal of arts and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. Published thrice yearly by Riddle Fence Publishing Inc., the journal publishes some of the best fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art the province—and the country—has to offer.
Price: 1 yr $40 or 2 yr $70
To Purchase: www.riddlefence.com
About the Journal: Riddle Fence has published work by more than 400 writers and artists from all over the world.
Our journal is a forum for critical thought and artistic expression that is distinctly of this province, but extends a generous seat or two at the table for exemplary writing and artwork from Canada and beyond. Its contributors run the gamut from first-time published authors to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Michael Crummey and Robert Chafe, to award-winning writers from across the country like Nick Thran and Carol Bruneau, all coming together in a conversation that’s intelligent, eloquent and irreverent, smart, and occasionally subversive. Lush visual content from
international artists like Tom Hammick and up-and-coming St. John’s artists like Patrick Canning round out each issue of Riddle Fence, making it stand out from other literary magazines.
Atelier West Studios
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Aprons, tea towels and placemats
These images (above) are available in aprons, tea towels and placemats (set of 4 in a package).
The tea towels and placemats are 100% cotton and are an all-Canadian product. The textile is sent to me from CreativeTeaTowels in Vancouver, B.C. I draw the images, put them in a silk screen and hand screen. The screening process that I use is a very painterly one so that each image is unique. Colour placement, tonal quality, etc. varies from one screening to the next. This is a great selling point for the process. Clients like the idea that they are purchasing something that is unique and no one else will have despite the fact that they may have the same image.
Prices: Apron: $25.00 + hst. Tea towel: $23.00 + hst. Placemats: $60.00 for set of 4
To Purchase: Products are available at the Craft Council Gallery, Pinpoint Ink (Posie Row), The Bee’s Knees and Johnny Ruth (aprons and tea towels with whale image only). The Craft Council Gallery and Pinpoint Ink carry aprons, tea towels and placemats. Bee’s Knees carries aprons and tea towels.
There is a very wide range of images available. They are also available to purchase through Atelier West Studios on Facebook (www.facebook.com/atelierweststudios) and through my on-line store (www.squareup.com/store/atelier-west-studios). I do wholesale, but there are restrictions on order quantity. If you are interested in wholesale, please contact me at atelier.west@nf.sympatico.ca
About the Artist: Atelier West Studios is a fine art production studio. The studio runs two lines of print. The functional textile prints include, but are not limited to, aprons, tea towels and placemats. We also do hand-printed purses and hand-printed pillowcases and table napkins, although we do not wholesale these items. The other part of the studio practice is my fine art practice. I am a professional printmaker and fibre artist. I produce fine art prints using traditional hand printing mediums, i.e., etching, drypoint, serigraph, lino cut, collagraph and lithography. I also incorporate the use of textile into my fine art practice. My website for fine art is www.atelierwest.ca. Atelier West Studios has been in production for 26 years. We will celebrate our 27th year in August of 2019.
Saucy Pots Pottery
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Saucy Pots
Saucy pots for saucy people.
These handmade pots are full of sass for all your friends and family. Just the right gift for the person who has everything. These cups feature classic Newfoundland sayings with a sharp wit and saucy sense of humour. Made in Quidi Vidi Village at the Plantation.
To Purchase: www.saucypots.me
About the Artist: This work has been created by Erin Callahan St. John for the last five years. She focuses on setting Newfoundland folklore in stone. In clay, she can conjure up all the nostalgia of growing up in Newfoundland in one saying “Jesus, Mary & Joseph!” Her cups bring people to life; laughing and crying, telling yarns about island life, showing how language is tied to our dearest memories.
Wild Mother Provisions
Newfoundland Beer Vinegar
Our beer vinegar is made from a naturally occurring wild mother (a mixed culture of aerobic bacteria and yeast, harvested from Newfoundland’s pristine coastal air) that is fed with the finest Newfoundland-made beer.
After a period of fermentation the resulting vinegar is deeply malty with strong caramel notes.
It can be used as a seasoning to brighten any food or make any dish more complex. It is particularly good on fish, on leafy dark greens and in vinaigrettes and marinades.
Price: Retails in NL for $11.95 plus tax for a 200 ml bottle.
To Purchase: Newfoundland Beer Vinegar can be purchased directly from Wild Mother Provisions at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market (Saturdays only) or from retailers across the province (listed on our website – www.wildmotherprovisions.com).
About the Business: A feminist food company, Wild Mother Provisions produces and sells artisan beer vinegar and related products. We are intentional about supporting local social enterprises and attempt to be as sustainable as possible in our packaging and other business practices.
Operating since 2016, our Newfoundland Beer Vinegar is now sold in 28 stores across the island of Newfoundland and in select stores in Nova Scotia and Ontario.
The Trinity Historical Society
1) Coat hooks
The assortment of coat hooks are handcrafted at the Green Family Forge; they include designs such as Flame Tip, Fish Tail, and Salt Cod.
Price: Price range is $15-$32
To Purchase: For purchasing or for questions, please visit our website at www.trinityhistoricalsociety.com, or send inquiries to info@trinityhistoricalsociety.com
2) Octopus Hanger
The Octopus is handcrafted at the Green Family Forge and is great for hanging jewellery, hats, etc.
Price: $85
To Purchase: For purchasing or for questions, please visit our website at www.trinityhistoricalsociety.com, or send inquiries to info@trinityhistoricalsociety.com
3) Spatulas
The spatulas are handcrafted at the Green Family Forge.
Price: $10
To Purchase: For purchasing or for questions, please visit our website at www.trinityhistoricalsociety.com, or send inquiries to info@trinityhistoricalsociety.com
About the Organization: The Trinity Historical Society is a non-profit organization and registered charity. We operate the Green Family Forge with two blacksmiths, the Cooperage with a Cooper, the Trinity Museum, Lester Garland House, The Wooden Boat Museum, and The Fort Point Interpretation Centre. We are also home to marriage, baptism and burial records for the Anglican Parish for this area, which dates back to 1757.
Pedlar Press
Book: The Lady From Kent
“Barbara Nichol is an original — brilliant and entertaining. Her every page charms and entices. The Lady From Kent is a book to read and reread and then read again, to yourself or out loud, depending how generous you’re feeling.” — Eleanor Wachtel, Best of Writers & Co.
The Lady From Kent: A Story for Girls and Boys and Bees Dressed Up as Fleas and Crocodiles. Also Elves.
Children’s literature
cloth
Price: $23
To Purchase:
Beth Follett
Publisher
feralgrl@interlog.com
www.pedlarpress.com
ordering@litdistco.ca
Available in St John’s at Broken Books and The Travel Bug.
About the Business: Pedlar Press is an independent Canadian literary press devoted to the publication of innovative and progressive novels, poetry collections and artbooks by renowned, or less-known, or unknown and emerging Canadian writers and artists. Pedlar Press is a champion of difficult work. The house believes that innovation and personal risk are among the most important aspects of contemporary literature.
Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
1) East Port Properties Big Band Show: Stayin’ Alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, Stayin’ Alive, Stayin’ Alive!
You’ll be dancing in your seats during the East Port Properties Big Band Show! Featuring Kelly-Ann Evans & Friends (Robyn Sears, Darrin Martin, & Steve Power), singing songs of the disco era and embarking on a journey back to the 70’s! The Big Band show is one of the year’s biggest events with show stopping numbers and lots of fun! The East
Port Properties Big Band Show takes place at 8pm on Friday, January 25, 2019 and Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Arts and Culture Centre. This show is sponsored by East Port Properties.
Price: Tickets ($50/$55)
To Purchase: Available at the ACC Box Office (729-3900) and online at www.artsandculturecentre.com.
2) Masterworks 4: Let’s Call the Whole Thing Orff!
We’re calling the whole thing orff!
Masterworks 4: a delicate balance of voice, music and dance with special guests including Shallaway Youth Choir, PCNSO, Kittiwake Dance, Raphaëlle Paquette, soprano, Jean-François Lapointe, baritone, and Ryan McDonald, countertenor. The NSO, under the direction of Marc David, presents Let’s Call The Whole Thing Orff! including: Orff’s Carmina Burana. The performance is made possible by Wedgewood Insurance. Join us as we call the whole thing orff!
Price: Tickets ($33-$48)
To Purchase: Available at the ACC Box Office (729-3900) and at www.artsandculturecentre.com.
3) Spring Pops: Broadsway
Described as a fun-filled top notch musical evening, it’s Broadsway; broadway…their way!
Heather Bambrick, Diane Leah and Julie Michels join the NSO under conductor Marc David to present this year’s Spring Pops! Singing everything from Broadway classics to the recent Broadway hits, this concert is a musical lover’s dream. Broadsway takes place at 8pm on Friday April 12, 2019 at the Arts and Culture Centre. This show is sponsored by Husky Energy.
Price: Tickets ($50/$55)
To Purchase: Available at the ACC Box Office (729-3900) and online at www.artsandculturecentre.com.
About the Artist: Established in 1962 and incorporated in 1979, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra helps make our province a better place in which to live by fostering the live performance of orchestral music. With nearly 70% of our annual expenses directed onstage, the orchestra performs more than 25 times each year offering educational and concert experiences to more than 15,000 Newfoundlanders & Labradorians, including many young music lovers.
Dominique Hurley
Dominique Hurley Visionary Art Cards – Variety Pack (12)
Twelve greeting cards featuring energy-infused paintings by Dominique Hurley, printed on 5″ x 7″ premium gloss finish card stock – perfect for framing! Blank inside, comes with envelopes.
Price: Regular $47.77; Wholesale (5 packages or more) $36/ea + hst.
To Purchase: Call 709-771-6116 or email to place wholesale order. Send e-transfer to dominique@dominiquehurley.com or pay by cheque/credit card.
To see the 12 cards, visit my online retail store at: https://www.dominiquehurley.com/product/greeting-card-variety-pack/
About the Artist: Dominique Hurley is an intuitive visionary artist, educator, and naturopathic practitioner who guides you to explore and express your True Self as you connect to your inner guidance. Grounded in her love of beauty and the beauty of love, Dominique delivers insight and inspiration through her Intuition Into Action Treasure Map: 5 Steps to a Happy Healthy Life. She’ll delight you through energy-infused art, intuitive exercises, guided meditations, presentations, interactive workshops, and writings. For your conference, convention, meeting or event, Dominique can and will help nourish your transformational journey as an individual, organization or professional community.
Susan Doyle Art
1) “Somewhere in the Chaos”
Canvas or print
Price: Range depending upon product type and size
To Purchase: www.susandoyleart.com
2) “Wings of Change”
Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas, 16×40″
Price: $750 CAD
To Purchase: www.susandoyleart.com
3) “Fly Away With Me”
Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas, 36×36″
Price: $950 CAD
To Purchase: www.susandoyleart.com
A wide variety of work available, both print and originals.
About the Artist: I am a contemporary, abstract artist. My work tends to sway back and forth between abstract and expressionism capturing an emotional response to all that surrounds us, especially the raw energy of nature.
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
1) Flowy muscle tee with SJIWFF29 logo
Price: $30
To Purchase: https://www.womensfilmfestival.com/shop/
We will also be selling them at our screening of a Christmas Fury. More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/952337691618502/
2) Scoop neck 3/4 tee with SJIWFF29 logo
Price: $30
To Purchase: https://www.womensfilmfestival.com/shop/
We will also be selling them at our screening of a Christmas Fury. More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/952337691618502/
3) SJIWFF29 Navy Toque
Price: $10
To Purchase: https://www.womensfilmfestival.com/shop/
We will also be selling them at our screening of a Christmas Fury. More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/952337691618502/
About the Artist: The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival is a not for profit film festival to support and promote women filmmakers. Next year we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary from October 16-20, 2019.
The Craft Council Clay Studio
Clay classes/gift certificates
Start something new with the Clay Studio!
Learn to create with clay using hand-building techniques and skills on the wheel in either single or multi-week classes. Winter 2019 sessions begin in January, gift certificates available!
Price: Classes begin at $65+
To Register: Online at our website: https://craftcouncil.nl.ca/clay-studio/classes/, or in person at 38 Ropewalk lane, next to No Name Pizza.
About the Artist: The Craft Council Clay Studio is a community clay studio dedicated to providing working space and education of ceramic arts in Newfoundland & Labrador. A division of the Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador, a non-profit, member-based organization which seeks to advance and promote excellence in fine craft for the cultural and economic benefit of our province.
RCA Theatre Company
1) Persistence Theatre’s Offensive to Some, January 24-27, 2019 at the LSPU Hall
Written by by Berni Stapleton
Directed by Ruth Lawrence
Featuring Miranda MacDonald
In prison for killing her husband – a man who has abused her for years- her journey as a wife, mother, daughter, but most of all as a woman, is revealed in her interactions with unseen cops and a parade of talk show hosts. Through dark humour, flights of fancy, and dramatic flashbacks that reveal her painful past, an unforgettable and deeply truthful portrait emerges before the audience.
To Purchase: http://rca.nf.ca/event/rca-presents-offensive-to-some-by-berni-stapleton/
2) Echo Productions’ Charlie: Son of Man, March 21-24, 2019 at the LSPU Hall
Written by Adrian Yearwood
Directed by Victoria Fuller
A modern twist on the story of one of the most infamous characters of the 20th century, Charles Manson, Charlie: Son of Man plays on the recent renaissance of demagoguery and vitriolic nationalism. This adaption of the Manson Family story uses sex and today’s drug of choice – mobile phones (and by extension social media) as the tools of manipulation for his nefarious deeds.
To Purchase: http://rca.nf.ca/event/rca-presents-charlie-son-of-man-by-adrian-yearwood/
3) Squawk (April 12, 13, 18 & 20, 2019)
Written by Megan Gail Coles
Directed by Lois Brown
Annie Runningbird doesn’t have time for the games boys want her to play. She’s aging out of foster care on her next birthday. The system has decided she is an adult, so Annie must make adult decisions. Where will she live? How will she make money? Who can Annie depend on in her ever-shifting world? This intel is important. Because Annie needs to win the very real game she’s playing. She must save herself to save the day.
To Purchase: http://rca.nf.ca/event/rca-theatre-company-presents-squawk-by-megan-gail-coles/
About the Artist: The Resource Centre for the Arts (RCA) operates from the historic LSPU Hall in downtown St. John’s and aims to provide accessible, supportive and well-resourced programs and venues, with a primary focus on the creation, development, and advancement of the performing arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its resident theatre company, RCA Theatre Company, provides resources and a supportive environment for the production and promotion of theatre in St. John’s and throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
