Our Walls can Talk – meet the Artists of White Point, Nov. 10th!
We’ve all heard the saying, “if these walls could talk”.
At White Point, we’ve been giving the artists a voice as we guide guests through the lodge, pointing out our favourite pieces. On Nov. 10th, at the Artists of White Point Showcase, the artists themselves will give voice to their work – and showcase more of their works.
Against the majestic backdrop of the Atlantic and crackling fires, the South Shore and Nova Scotia artists whose works are proudly hung on our walls within the Lodge have enjoyed a year of admiration. Our lodge is a work of art, collectively their works contribute to the warm and welcoming ambiance White Pointers enjoy.
Just like at home, Robert and Alicia Risley have worked to discover, select and even hang most of the art on our walls – always with an eye to source locally where possible. This approach, some may even say quest, has been a trademark of White Point for decades that was heightened with the construction of our Nova Scotia inspired and built main Lodge. As part of our 1st Year Anniversary Weekend Celebrations, we’ve invited and assembled nearly 2 dozen artists to host the Artists of White Point Showcase and Sale .
Meet our Showcasing Artists below, then join us on Nov. 10th, 10am – 4pm in the Atlantic Room at White Point – do some Christmas Shopping for your friends, family, even yourself!
Artists of White Point Showcase & Sale participants:
Craig Naugler – Folk Artist
As you look around the Main Lodge – you’ll soon see that we’ve fallen in love with Craig’s owls, his masks and other colourful creations! Seems our guests are in love with them too – they’ve been ‘flying’ out of the gift shop!
I started carving when I was 19 years old. I carve all types of birds including roosters, seagulls, robins and more, totem poles and bird baths. I am currently known for my owls large and small, and masks. I find it fun to carve and enjoy every piece I make.
Craig is just up the shore from us in Hebbville, here’s his profile from Maritime Folk Art http://www.folkartmaritime.com/artist_bios/nc.htm
Joe Winters, Wizard of Wood
Joe has been a part of the white Point Artist family for many years. Having crafted our 1st collection of much adored Little People, Joe stepped forward immediately following our fire, offering to carve a new generation of WP Little People. Carving from trees off our property, he birthed 4 new friends who were named by White Pointers on Facebook and now adored by one and all.
A whimsical and colourful folk artist and character, Joe in known around our place for the Little People, but it’s his coastal inspired 3-d wood art that captures the imaginations and hearts of many. Living nearby in Liverpool, it is always a treat to drop into the shop to see what has captured his imagination. His works are found in homes around the world. Check out some of his work here: http://www.folkartmaritime.com/artist_bios/wj.html
The Lunenburg Makery
Having met up with the team at the Makery and discovering their ‘Species at Risk’ kits, it wasn’t long before we had our own “White Point Bunny” Kit in our Gift Shop.
The Lunenburg Makery is a place for learning, making and gathering in Lunenburg, NS. Along with artist Kat Frick Miller; we design and create a range of craft kits featuring wildlife of Nova Scotia and other fun creatures. Our most recent project the House’s of Lunenburg embroidery kit centers around illustrations of the three heritage homes and trims inspired by the town’s architecture.
The Lunenburg Makery is in Luenburg of course, check them out online: www.lunenburgmakery.ca
Frances Jewel Dickson, Author
Author of Destination White Point, released in 2012, Frances has helped us to explore and capture nearly 85 years of White Point – pick up a copy and she’ll sign it for you!
Since beginning my writing career as a middle-aged woman, I hold fast belief that history comes alive when told by those who have lived it. My three published books are testimonials to unique people, place and events that have marked our national history.
Frances is perched along the shores of the LaHave River, in Petite Riviere, check out her work: http://www.voicesetc.ca/
Tamar Drushka & John Hanna, The Philosophers Stone Art
Tamar and John’s work can be found all over the Main Lodge, just look for the stacked stone lamps!
The original stone vessels of Nova Scotia. We have worked with the ancient glacial stones of the region since 1993 to create a unique and timeless art from our home in Rosebud. The quality of our finishing process is the hallmark of our work. Tamar and John are in Rosebud, Lunenburg County, see their work here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePhilosophersStoneArt
Kathi Petersen, Pufferbellies
Once you’ve seen Kathi’s colourful and animated work, you’ll know which pieces are hers around the Lodge and in the Gift Shop.
Each Pufferbellies carving is designed, cut out, hand carved with knives and painted by Kathi Petersen in her studio by the LaHave River in the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia.
Kathi has her studio in Bridgewater.
Lisa Wickens, Simply Country Décor
We’ve recently discovered Lisa’s work and have been delighted with the custom White Point pieces she has created – including a hooked rug of our Boathouse!
Lisa Wickens lives on Cape Sable Island at the Southern tip of Nova Scotia. She is a self taught rug hooker who operates a small home decorating business. She uses only 100% wool products from local sources for her works. Most are designed and hand drawn by her husband Quent Wickens making hers a truly family business.
Take a look at her work her online: http://simplycountrydecor.com/home.php
Bev Crouse, Fabric & Quilt Artist
Bev has been a long-time friend of White Point most recently guiding us through the design, creation and unveiling of our new White Point Quilt – “Stitching White Pointers Together”. After hosting dozens of Quilting Parties with White Pointers of all ages and all over Canada, Bev has enabled White Pointers to been woven into the very fabric of White Point!
Bev Crouse is a Nova Scotia Quilt and Fabric artist specializing in Stitching up Memories and Milestones. Her portfolio includes simple memory quilts, large art and story quilts and all things in between. Bev is nearby in Western Head, explore her work online: http://www.bevcrouse.com/
Melissa Sue Labrador – Mi’Kmaq Painter
Having discovered Melissa at the Acadia First Nation Gathering we hosted in June ’13, we were taken by the colours and dramatic simplicity of the ‘petroglyph-like’ painting. We are incredibly proud to have 2 of her pieces on the walls of the Founder’s Lounge.
As a young child Melissa began creating her art through different mediums. She is a self-taught artist with no formal schooling. During her teenage years she began selling her work at her family’s Art and Craft store. Through her art has been a journey she has been on for over 20 years, Melissa’s journey in life has gifted her also with a recent experience in working at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Aboriginal Art Curator. She also worked as an assistant to the Archaeology Curator. Her inspiration stems from her upbringing around the sacred Mi’Kmaq sites of Keji and her family. Melissa is nearby in South Brookfield, learn more, visit www.sevendirections.ca
Leslie Snidal & Ed Saikaley, Cherry Hill Studio
Look closely at the Founder’s Lounge Fireplace – you’ll see a hint of Ed’s etchings right there in stone. Incredibly basic yet so full of meaning for us, and especially the children when they discover the ‘bunny’! Discover their true talents at the showcase.
Ed uses a unique sandblasting technique to sculpt images in glass, exposing hidden colors beneath the surface and in stone he creates fossil-like cameo images. Leslie is inspired by the colors, textures and history of her surroundings and her water colors realistically capture the natural beauty of Nova Scotia’s landscape.
Ed and Leslie are found along the shores of the Atlantic in Cherry Hill, take a sneak peek at their work: http://www.glassartisans.ca/artists/ed-saikaley-leslie-snidal/
Judy Dudar, Author
A journey that started with a chat over coffee back in 2007 and a story has blossomed into a ‘hopping’ relationship and a permanent, and popular feature in our Gift Shop. I Spy, released in Hard Cover originally and in 2013 over Easter at White Point, in paperback, is a favourite for kids of all ages!
Judy Dudar wrote I Spy a Bunny while visiting White Point one quiet weekend, children who love colors and summer beach days reading and sharing it with friends and relatives who treasure White Point memories. Illustrated by Richard Rudnicki, I Spy a Bunny is published by Nimbus in both hard and soft covers.
Judy hails from Dartmouth.
Laurie and Janet Clattenburg, Chisel and Brush Artisans
Laurie has been a long-time artist here at White Point, dozens of his carved bunnies and old world Santas have found new homes with our guests. His walking sticks are stunning and enjoyed for their beauty as much as purpose!
We are always looking for something new to bring to the table. Laurie does most of the carving and all the spoon rings and jewelry. Janet paints in oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoals and now have found the excitement of alcohol inks.
Laurie and Janet are nearby in Port Medway, check out their website http://www.chiselandbrushartisans.ca/index.php?page=aboutus
Libby Broadbent, Midlife Mache
Libby’s creation in paper mache are lifelike and colourful with a great sense of humour. Her work in the Gift Shop brings smiles and laughter.
Midlife Mache produces sculptures made from traditional Paper Mache materials. We specialize in fishermen, cats, holiday sculptures, and mermaids but also do commissioned work for personalized sculptures. Midlife Mache is also the publishing imprint for indie author, Libby Broadbent.
Libby’s website is full of her books and works of art, http://libbybroadbent.com/midlife-mache/
Deborah Sponagle-Taylor, Sea People Art
Deb’s felted, tiny woolen little bunnies ‘hop’ off the shelves so quickly in our Gift Shop it is difficult for her to keep up with Guest demand!
Owning my own shop in the 1970’s in Lunenburg and doing Maritime craft show circuit for years. Known in the past for the painting on found boat hulls and today paining on canvas as well needle felting of human characters and Animals, purses etc, and enjoying giving art lessons to Children. Also I wrote and illustrated a Children’s book and am currently working on another. I am a multi-media artist. Deborah lives nearby in Liverpool, check out her website http://wardroomgallery.blogspot.ca/
Laurie and Maggie Horton
Bright, bold, whimsical. Laurie and Maggie’s work is all over the Lodge and in the Gift Shop, the rich coloured birds are as unique as the artists themselves!
We are folk artists Maggie and Laurie Horton, we have been doing folk art since 1994, and it comes to us by pure accident. We were walking on a beach in a place called Little Dyke about 14 miles from Truo we spotted a stick and we both agreed it looked like a duck. We decided to take it home and paint it and sure enough it was a duck! From there we went to beaches whenever we could, looking for driftwood to make our artwork. We also collect pine branches that fall in the wind. Laurie has been a fisherman since age 16, so a lot of the work is fish, sea creatures, shore birds and more! Our entire house is a work shop and we also have our own private collection. Laurie and Maggie are retired now and work side by side doing folk art and having a great time!
Laurie and Maggie live in Pubnico, Yarmouth County, check out this great interview with them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyW4q19OdEU
Julie Nauss, Imagination Creations Jewelry Plus
Appreciating and being champions for those who create and use recycled products, we discovered Julie and her beachglass creations, challenging her to craft a ‘bunny’, she did and we now feature bunny pendant necklaces in our Gift Shop.
I am a self taught jewelry artist and have been making my creations since 2002. The majority of my jewelry is made with Eco friendly materials including, genuine sea glass, drift wood, shells and more. Each piece I make is one of a kind. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I love creating it!
Julie is in Brooklyn, look her up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginationCreationsJewelryPlus
Mary Ediger, Saltwater Angles
Perched on their shelf in the Gift Shop, these little fellas don’t stick around long before they ‘hop’ off to new homes near and far from White Point!
Saltwater Angels began from my fascination with picking sea glass, angels and love of a good project. The angels now sell in the 4 Atlantic Provinces. This year, Saltwater Buddies are being introduced, because if you don’t want an angel, surely you can use a buddy – like the White Point Bunnies!
Mary is located in Port Mouton, check out her out online: http://maryediger.com/
Norma Whynot, Cherry Whynot & her brother Bucky Mooers
Hanging on the wall near our carved moose antler and in the Gift Shop, you’ll find Norma and Cherry’s work, we were delighted to welcome them to our collection earlier this year.
Norma and Cherry are members of Acadia First Nation who create traditional and beautiful leather and beadwork crafts. Leather and beaded dream catchers, moccasins, Medicine pouches, beaded and quill earrings etc. We mostly do work as needed or ordered so they can be customized.
Waterdancer’s Mi’Kmaq Arts
Todd Labrador has been a longtime friend and partner as we continue to strengthen and expand our partnership with our Acadia First Nation Community. Always willing to offer insight and share the culture of his ancestors reaching back some 10,000 years. Todd’s birchbark bowl and drum making demonstrations have been welcomed.
Having grown up on the Wildcat Reservation in Queens County, just north of white Point, most of his insperation comes from his fathers stories of his great grandfather
Todd is mostly known for his hand-crafted, authentic birch bark canoes. His canoe building is known nationally and internationally. He also makes and paints traditional drums, baskets, slate rock etchings and so much more. He now lives in a log cabin on Minamkeak Lake in Hebbs Cross, here on the South Shore with his wife Lori.
https://www.facebook.com/waterdancer’smikmaqarts/#!/WaterdancerMikmaqArts?fref=ts
Penny Lane Enterprises
Penny Lane provides a number of decor elements for us throughout the year, we are delighted to have them joining us at the Showcase!
All of our work is handcrafted at our workshop in Milton N.S. Penny Lane Enterprises is a volunteer, not for profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for individuals with challenges. Most of our products are wooden crafts ranging from decorations to furniture. Check out their work online at www.facebook.com/#!/PennyLaneEnt and
www.qasl.ca
Steve’s Ironworks
Steve Daubs of Blockhouse, Lunenburg County has his work all over our main lodge – and they are admired! Steve crafted the iron doors of our two fireplaces, the sky reaching wood boxes and the glass holder above our Founder’s Lounge Bar. He’ll be bringing along some unique items that can slide into homes of White Pointers, and of course his custom work is beautiful.
I started artistic blacksmithing in the 90’s, since then I have mastered the art of Blacksmithing. I enjoy taking on difficult projects as well as simple. My clients come first and attempt to bring their visions to life, with my own unique approach. I look forward to sharing and showcasing a variety of my works at White Point.
Suzanne Gunn, Hooker and proud champion for the Queens Skatepark Society
Creator of the magnificent hooked rug tribute to our former Main Lodge. Suzanne and members of the Skatepark Association will be onsite at the Showcase inviting you to support the Association and purchase a ticket to win this work, and purchase others works with proceeds supporting the Association.
The Old Lodge – Designed and hooked by Sue Gunn, measuring 45″x 29″ on linen backing cut wool. Now on display in our Founder’s Lounge, we are supporting the Queens County Skatepark Association in their efforts to raise funds for a free community skatepark in Liverpool. Help us to help the kids – Tickets on this amazing work of art, our history and fitting tribute to our lodge lost to fire Nov. 12/11. Tickets are ON SALE now from our Gift Shop until draw date, Mother’s Day 2014. We are so proud to be avle to showcase this project, and the artistic talent of Mrs. Gunn https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152957248145510.1073741848.350966035509&type=1
Kim Stephenson, Mitten Maker
Kim’s hobby of making mittens from recycled wool sweaters are a unique and fashionable way to stay warm. She’ll be restocking our Gift Shop but before she does, she’ll be showcasing at our Artists of White Point Show. Kim is nearby in Port Joli.
There are dozens more artists whose work we are delighted to have on our walls, while they have all been invited, not all were able to attend.
We look forward to welcoming and introducing you to our artists.
The White Point Team