An outdoor celebration of artistic talent

It is with arts & crafts as it is with food - both are best enjoyed outdoors! That was certainly the case last weekend, when Ash Creek Pottery hosted its 10th Annual Artist's Garden. More than twenty local artists displayed their unique pieces in a range of materials and disciplines; pottery, multimedia, wood, stone, iron, photography, glass and alpaca yarn to name a few. The backdrop: dazzling flower gardens, a quiet pond and a family of friendly goats grazing in the sunshine. All this accompanied by live music and a Tea Room offering seventeen different summer pies. What a great summer excursion!

Here are some snapshots from the event:

"My very own Picasso" by glass artist 

Norma Sanders, Trapped Glass.

These cute pots are by Wearable

Treasures from the shores of Lake 

Nipissing:

Pottery by Tracy Thomas, Marvelous Mud.

Fun mugs by Rosemary Thomas.

Funky iron chair by artist, blacksmith
and jeweller Kathleen Atkinson-Hindle. 

Gorgeous quilt in a clean, fresh design by 

the North Bay chapter of Victoria's Quilts.

The organization donates handmade quilts to

people with cancer.  

The flower beds at Ash Creek Pottery are impressive

and inspiring. This one also features flowers that the

deer can't eat! By Pat Stamp, Ash Creek Pottery.

One-of-a-kind at Art on Main

Bruce Cull is one of the artists
represented at Art on Main.

There is a special satisfaction in buying "one-of-a-kind": nobody else will have the same thing. In addition, if you know that the piece you just brought home is made by a local artist, the sense of pride and contentment is double. What a great starting point for creating a personalized and unique space! 


Art on Main in downtown North Bay boasts a wide range of original objects. The artists' collective has paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, wood, weaving, basketry and more. I am amazed at how the gallery always seems to offer something for every taste. Here you find contemporary art alongside traditional images of northern Ontario. And inventive jewellry shares the shelves with functional pottery. Eclectic! 


These are some of the items that caught my eye during my most recent visit:

  

                          Sergio Golod's colourful glass plates are absolutely stunning.

I love the combination of objects in this cheery wall tapestry by multi-media artist Rachel Robitaille.  "Bollywood Salsa".

Another decorative wall tapestry by Rachel Robitaille. "Sapphire Adventure".

Rachel Robitaille also creates beautiful jewellry, like this necklace made of green stones.

One-of-a-kind wooden bowl by Michael Mathieu. The wood is taken from locally harvested trees.

This pottery set is so different and fun! Rosemary Thomas.

Pat Stamp's pottery (above and below) is genuine with a hint of whimsical.

Old meets new

Did you go to the Antique Show and Sale, organized by the North Bay Legion, a few weeks ago? I find antique shows so much fun, partly because of the atmosphere, but even more because of the unknown treasures that await. 

There is definitely room for antiques in my design world. In fact, I find the mix between old and new very appealing. For the “old-meets-new” to marry smoothly, make sure the pieces have something in common. It can be the shape of the legs, a certain pattern in the design, texture. They should also be of compatible quality and size. If none of this is present, make it work through paint! Simply paint the new piece(s) in a colour that is already present in the room, or in a complementary colour to makes it stand out. Here are a few items that caught my eye at the show.

This ornate wooden bench in new upholstery would be gorgeous in a front hall. It's just the perfect size. With a large-scale fabric, it would work also in a modern environment. I would be tempted to paint the wood white for a fresh, crisp look.

This beautiful wooden bowl would be a fantastic centrepiece on a large harvest table. Imagine it with green apples in it, for a simple, natural look. Or with shiny silver-like objects for contrast. Bling! I can also envision it on the floor in a casual living room flanked by linen-upholstered couches for a rustic look.

A Canadian classic! Shouldn't every Canadian home have a Hudson Bay blanket? These cost $125 at the show and came in an earthy yellow stripe and bold orange. 

How smart! Apply embroidery to a bland pillow for a more elaborate look.

This amazing candelabra will make your dining room sparkle. It would fit both in a modern setting and a more traditional environment. The price tag? $95 a pair.

Pottery is a great way to add personality and colour to your home. Display a collection in various shapes and colours, or have one or two over-sized, dramatic pieces. I found this tear-dropped, turquoise bowl beautiful in its simplicity. $70.

If I were to pick one favourite from the show, these slender candleholders would be it. Like so many of the other objects I liked at the show, these are classic pieces that work in both contemporary and traditional settings. $95 a pair.