Reporter Gordon Edgar took the Moostletoe tour on Oct. 15 with his partner Crystal and reports here on an experience that exceeded expectations.
Crystal and I have not attended the Moostletoe tour previously. However, my coverage leading up to the tour convinced me it was not to be missed. A swimming lesson meant we had a late start — hopefully none of the artists noticed we were rushing. We were determined to stamp our passports!
Somewhat arbitrarily, we decided to complete the Moostletoe list in order.
For our first stop, we met Laura Hamilton at her home. She greeted us with a huge smile and a gracious invitation that was repeated for each visitor through the door — and there were many! Paintings and prints shared space with pillows, puzzles, and… plates, and more, all vivid with art.
Laura’s works constitute another invitation, expressing warmth, familiarity, and cheerfulness. There is element of play that is uplifting. Even those with darker tones are richly expressed. The facelessness of many of her subjects seems, somehow, to make them more personal — as if anyone can step inside and be her subject.
#2 — Creating steel artworks with wife’s help a great experience, artist says - MooseJawToday.com
Bill and Laurette Keen are well known in Moose Jaw for their co-created steel sculptures. I haven’t previously met them, despite writing about their “Stronger Together” campaign last year. That campaign has now raised over $30,000 for John Howard Society’s My Place program, by the way.
The Keen’s basement hosts a serious professional gallery. Bill’s unique, intricate, and detailed creations, painted and finished by Laurette, are hung on the walls and displayed on stands. We enjoyed a conversation with them about the enormous life-sized bison sculpture Bill is working on. He has become passionate about the history of the animal. I can’t wait to see it.
#3 — Pottery artist uses God-given talents to bring joy to others - MooseJawToday.com
Beth Barrett’s living room and kitchen were transformed for the occasion into a well-laid-out display of an amazing variety of work. Mind you, by the time we arrived, she had sold many pieces. An ingenious little French butter dish — already sold, unfortunately — re-started the debate over whether it is appropriate to put butter in the microwave (I’m not going to stand there staring at it until it reaches room temperature!)
From decorative vases to functional cooking dishes, Beth is clearly an explorer in the art. Her glazes are as varied and creative as the shapes she’s mastered. A beautiful little teapot proved irresistible here.
#4 — Artists Jess Zoerb and Erin Zimmerman talk spirituality, healing, community - MooseJawToday.com
At the Art House, Jess Zoerb’s two daughters were assisting. Her youngest collected and stamped our passports with businesslike efficiency, and the older directed us through the rooms while channeling her mother’s quiet calm.
Erin Zimmerman had new work on display alongside Jess’ absorbing, semi-abstracted portraits. Erin has been experimenting with new mixed-media techniques and the results are evocative and fascinating.
The Art House and its energy are appealing, and Jess is offering studio space. Who knows what collaborations are to come?
#5 — ‘Every bead is a prayer’: Jazenta Saultier speaks about Indigenous beadwork - MooseJawToday.com; Artist profile with Beth Crabb: Combining practical and beautiful with basket weaving - MooseJawToday.com
Next stop is the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery, where Beth Crabb and Jazenta Saultier have tables set up across from each other. Jazenta answered questions from visitors about beading and Indigenous artwork. She is teaching a beadwork class at the MJMAG on Nov. 6 — it’s sold out, though, so you’ll have to catch her on Dec. 11, if you’re quick enough.
Beth Crabb brought baskets aplenty for the day, including a selection of charming little ornaments I hadn’t previously seen. Basketweaving is a practical art, for all the colour, form, and strength it can also express. Beth says that each piece wants to be used — it cries out for function, in her words.
I can’t wait to get started. There are still spots open in her Nov. 5 class!
#6 — Artisan Jude Radwanski: Designing to silversmithing to jewelry-making - MooseJawToday.com
Jude Radwanski had helpers at her workspace on the fourth floor of the Hammond Building. Her husband manned the checkout; her sister helped customers find variations of pieces that caught their eyes; her mother served tea, coffee, and delicious little pastries from the kitchen.
Jude’s style might not be for everyone, but I suspect most people would be hard pressed not to see something they like. Her jewellery is light, with captivating gradients that somehow cross texture, shade, and colour in a deeply synaesthetic blend — entrancing.
Apparently, Rob Froese stopped by earlier — darn, missed him! Crystal and I were able to chat with Yvette Moore, however, which was a pleasure. She was delighted with the turnout for Moostletoe. Her gallery is always a showcase of local talent, and events like these raise that profile further.
The weather was perfect, which Yvette thought contributed to Saturday’s success. As we walked out, we took a moment to appreciate that — she was right. How uplifting.
#8 — River Street Potters: Four artists inviting acceptance, joy, and imagination - MooseJawToday.com
At River Street Potters, Shannan Taylor greets us warmly. They had the best sale day ever. The focus of their studio is passion, not pottery — but it was heartwarming to see how validated the four potters were.
Melanie McFarlane is at the makeshift till, Dianne Newman says hello in the display area they’ve created, and Faithe Sovdi — primary architect — chats for a few minutes.
There are still lots of visitors. Many of them are discussing when to come down for a class. I can’t think of a less stressful, more encouraging environment to start pottery-ing.
Although we did not end winning the passport prize, Moostletoe has gained at least two additional rabid fans. You might see some wild eyes and slight foaming at the mouth as next year’s tour approaches.
