UPDATE: Nov. 21 — The story has been updated to confirm that there are two locations for this year's Moostletoe Artist's Spotlight event.
UPDATE: Nov. 13 — The list of artists who plan to attend Moostletoe 2024 has been updated to reflect changes; the affiliated image has been changed to reflect the new branding for the event.
UPDATE: Oct. 23 — Nissa Gieni-Wareham has been added to the list as one of the five featured artists and replaces Tim Grieg, who is no longer planning to attend this year's Moostletoe Artist Spotlight event. The event is titled "Moostletoe Artist Spotlight" this year and two instances of this name have been added.
MOOSE JAW — Everyone’s invited to the 12th annual Moostletoe Artists Studio Tour — branded as the Moostletoe Artist Spotlight this year — where eight local artists look forward to spreading a little Christmas cheer and helping early Christmas shoppers with a few unique gift ideas this November.
This year’s free-to-attend Moostletoe tour will take place at only two locations and is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The theme for this year is Christmastime, with themed decoration and some — although not all — of the works will be chosen to reflect this theme.
“As well as being free, we will be offering sweets, tea, and hot chocolate,” announced Jude Radwanski, one of the artists involved with Moostletoe 2024 and a contact for the group.
“It’s also a very good time to buy Christmas presents, because it’s a month before Christmas so that’s what were gearing it to,” she added.
Moostletoe is a traditional fall event where local artists showcase some of their finest works, promote the artistic community, and guests are invited to meet the people behind these creations. The works range each year from paintings to pottery, jewellery, and photography.
The tour is normally held at each artist’s studio throughout the city and has included Laura Hamilton’s art studio, the Yvette Moore Gallery, Jess Zoerb’s The Art House, and other venues. This year will look a bit different, however, as the event will take place at two centralized venues.
“We’ve decided on a fresh approach, and we’re going to be using it as an opportunity to get people in one space,” Radwanski said.
The new approach will include a demonstration by each artist and guests can either watch the artist work or participate in a guided tutorial each hour starting at 11 a.m.
As well, guests could win an hourly door prize featuring works by each attending artist. In one example, Radwanski — herself an artist — is donating a pair of earrings for the draw.
The yearly tour also helps support tourism, Radwanski said. “We’ve got people that come from Saskatoon, Regina, and other cities — and they come every year. They just love it and they want to see which artists are featured each year.
“I get so many positive comments about (Moose Jaw) when I’m at the show,” she added.
Guests are invited to a friendly, welcoming space and Radwanski said the takeaway message is meant to be one of joy, beauty, and of course, the spirit of Christmas.
“We just love having the public see our work because all of us are artists that either work full time or part time in a small studio somewhere by ourselves normally,” she said. “So, to get in front of people is beautiful for us, and we usually have a great time doing it and hope the people that are coming out have a great time too.”
This year’s artists include:
- Beth Barrett with One Sweet Dream Pottery
- Marie Ablitsova, creating Ukrainian candles
- Beth Crabb with Beth's Handmade Basketry
- Nissa Gieni-Wareham with artisaNGrounds
- Tanya MacKay, coloured pencil artist
- Dave Pelletier, painter
- Jude Radwanski with Firefly Art Jewellery
- Jai Stuart with Riversong Art (her attendance has not been confirmed)
Radwanski said she’s also looking to support the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery’s (MJMAG) shop as it similarly features the work of local artists and artisans. To promote the lesser-known venue, the gift shop will remain open throughout the day on Nov. 23.
The MJMAG is located at 461 Langdon Crescent. For more information visit MJMAG.ca.
Attending an event like Moostletoe is one of the best ways to help support local artists. “It means everything to us,” Radwanski said. “I can’t say how much it’s great to have Moose Jaw’s interest and know that they support us.
“They come out, and it becomes a fun, interesting day for them — and maybe even (an) educational (one). It’s just very positive in all ways,” she concluded.
For current updates, questions, or to learn more, visit ‘Moostletoe Artist Spotlight’ on Facebook or contact Jude Radwanski at 306-693-3839.
Moostletoe Artist Spotlight is set to take place at artisaNGrounds located at 262 Athabasca Street East and at the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery at 461 Langdon Crescent. For more information visit ArtisanGrounds.net or MJMAG.ca.
