A Donation

This year we asked Leslie Watts to do a painting for our donation to the Stratford Chef School auction. The painting, Still Life With Gin And Pears, is acrylic on 10 x 12 birch panel and we have framed it (not shown) in a black shadowbox frame without glass. We are very pleased with the finished framed work and we hope that The Chef School has a successful auction. Many thanks to Leslie for her part of the donation.

You will be able to see more of Leslie's work at the beginning of May when we have her opening of New Work on Saturday evening May 8th. Watch for more information on this event.

Quill Boxes

Porcupine Quill Boxes

It takes a craft person two days to make one three inch quill box, not including the preparation of materials. All the materials are natural except for the thread and dye. The white quills are their natural colour and the base is birch bark carefully removed from the tree without damaging the tree. Each basket is trimmed with sweetgrass, harvested in July. The designs on the lids of the quill box reflect the skill of the craft person, the more intricate and dramatic designs usually having been done by a an older craftsperson with years of practice. These baskets are from the Parry Sound area in Ontario.

New Scarves

We've Got Scarves!

We are pleased to have a new selection of scarves in the store. Susie Arnold has created her scarves from large pieces of raw silk which she hand paints in deep rich colours highlighted with an abstracted pattern.

Each of Corrine Prince Kaufman's scarves are hand-dyed and hand-woven using a variety of fibres. In the picture above she has used ( left to right ) Silk, cotton & bamboo: Silk & cotton and Silk & wool. Each scarf is intricately woven, one colour flowing effortlessly into the next.

For more information on either of these artisans please contact the store.

Coming Soon!

Village Studios

Custom Framing Sale

20% OFF

Custom Framing & Plak Mounting

January 20th to February 13th

Winter Hours

Wednesday to Saturday 9:30 - 5:30

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - Closed

James MacDougall

James MacDougall is a local Stratford artist, well known for his wonderful portrait work. We are fortunate to be able to have some of his floral, still life paintings for sale in the store. The two pieces shown here are both in oil on canvas. Jim is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and the Portrait Society of Canada. *Sold

Larchwood Boards

We are ready for Christmas with new stock from Larchwood Boards. Made from the end grain of the Larch tree these boards look great but are also extremely durable so are perfect for the chef on your list. There are several cutting board sizes including the curved end board shown above and then for entertaining the cheese board, also shown.

Timothy Smith Pottery

We have just restocked the pottery shelves of Timothy Smith of Gleason Brook Pottery. Timothy's work is both functional and attractive and makes the perfect gift for a pottery lover on your Christmas list. We have a number of different sized bowls, mugs, goblets and platters in Timothy's three glazes, Celadon, Tomato/Brown and Blue with Celadon highlights.

Leslie Watts

Leslie Watts has recently turned her hand to doing beautiful little still life paintings in acrylic on birch board. The effect is stunning and several have sold as soon as we put them in the window. We currently have these three wonderful pieces and we're looking forward to seeing more of Leslie's work in the near future. For more information about any of Leslie's work contact the store by phone or email.

Caroline Jonas Glass

This reverse painted glass platter is by Toronto artist, Caroline Jonas. Caroline's interest in patterns and her extensive knowledge of a number of periods in art history is reflected in all her work. This platter has been influenced by the work of Gustave Klimt. Caroline's website will give you more insight into the process involved in creating these beautiful works of art.