Haileybury, In Search of the Hardy Boys and More
Good trips are sparked by an idea. This one to Haileybury fired up with my husband’s online discovery one day, that the author of the Hardy Boys was from there. In Covid 19 times, this is an adventure within the safety of Ontario, beyond the usual “northern” destinations. At Huntsville, the drive suddenly became one through Group of Seven tableaux, miraculously touched by the paintbrush of autumn. Indeed, the Group of Seven became a...
The Group of Seven, Rebels in Their Time
It seems every generation has its share of rebels, especially in the arts, and the Group of Seven is no exception! They spanned the gap from the 19th century into the “modern” era and brought Canada into the international sphere of painters. Who Were They? The Group of Seven were really a group of ten! And no, Tom Thomson was never part of it either. Confused already? This year actually marks the centenary of Group’s first...
ARTIST FEATURE: It’s A Wild Ride – Edward Spera, Wildlife Painter
What do a series of photos chronicling the moments before a 400lb mountain gorilla hits you in the chest, days waiting in 45-50 degree heat hoping for that one shot of a mother tiger and her cubs at a watering hole, and a break neck jog up the side of a mountain ridge in northern India for the once in a life time view of a snow leopard lounging after startling its prey have in common? Well, for one thing, they are all experiences that...
FEATURED ARTIST: Michele Taras
“A young Picasso, as if he fell into a rainbow.” When Michele Taras of Mono, Ontario decided to try her hand at painting, she purchased a blank canvas – which sat in her study for more than 2 months before she could work up the courage to put her imagination to work. Already an accomplished fashion photographer, Michele Taras’ work has been featured in such magazines as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Chloe, Bride & Groom, HUF,...
Layers [Lairs] in Time
IODE: Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire The IODE, a uniquely Canadian institution, dates to the beginning of the previous century. In 1900 it was the brainchild of Montreal’s Margaret Polson Murray to form a federation of women to promote patriotism, loyalty and service to others. Fredericton, New Brunswick, was the location of the first chapter in January of that year (then the Federation of the Daughters of the Empire); other...
The Pride & Joy of Classic Cars
Who doesn’t like the chance to go and admire beautiful gleaming cars of all makes, models and ages? One great place is Orangeville’s “Blues Cruise” at their annual Blues and Jazz Festival. The whole of Broadway is closed off on a Friday night to make the space to display and admire those classic cars, to start the weekend off with the lively music scene! The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival is held in historic downtown...
FEATURED ARTIST: Karen Dodds Rodd
Walking Art What does one always look for when it comes to our clothes, accessories, hairstyles, and everything else we have or convey in our every day lives? We search for uniqueness and individuality. We crave something colourful, bright, exciting, something which is inviting and creates a vibe that is ours, and ours alone. Sure, we can pop into a big box store and come out with something nice but it doesn’t compare to the...
Lairs [Layers] in Time: Peace on the Hill
Written by: Diana Janosik-Wronski | Photography: Cory Bruyea Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph Driving into Guelph along Eramosa (or Charleston) Road, the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate stands out from literally miles away. The basilica was sited well! John Galt gave the hill in the centre of town to his friend Bishop Alexander Macdonell, who was also the first Catholic Bishop of Upper Canada, as well as Bishop of Kingston....
ARTIST FEATURE: Ann Randeraad, Clay Artist
Labour of Love: Ann Randeraad, Clay Artist Written by: Jillian Kent | Photography: Cory Bruyea Ann Randeraad, Clay Artist Clay Artistry is a fluid thing – it’s kinesthetic and engaging, drawing the artist in and demanding their full investment. It’s about diving into the clay and really getting your hands dirty as you try to find the shape that it was meant to take – dare I say, the story it’s going to tell. In fact, it’s...
Unsung Heroes of WWII: Alice McMahon
What strikes you first about meeting Alice McMahon is just what a firecracker she is! What she then tells you about serving in WWII is not only the courage and competence of the men and women, but how much of the real “glory” and credit were never publicly recognized. And just how much of a big contribution Canadians made in World War II! At age eighteen in 1943, when she reached the legal age for enlistment, Alice Watson signed up to...
Back To School Safety: Refresh Your Knowledge
Since it arrived on the scene early in the 20th century, the school bus has been an intrinsic part of society. The familiar yellow vehicle is a mobile cradle, of sorts, entrusted to ferry our kids to and from school and into the future. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that school bus safety is a paramount concern and that strictly enforced regulations are in place to ensure this. Failure to comply with the rules can...
LAYERS [Lairs] IN TIME: Going to the Poor House – Wellington County Museum
“You’re driving me to the poor house”! How many times have we, as parents, said this to our kids when yet another demand is made? Now you really can! In this case, you will be driving them to the Wellington County Museum in Fergus! Now a designated National Historic Site, the building became the Museum and Archives in 1974 and was presented the 2013 Business Beautification Award by the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce for its...
Abbeyfield Caledon – for Community Living
Almost twenty years ago, a group of Caledon residents watched as elders in their community left to spend their life elsewhere as no support systems were available to assist them with the increasing limitations of growing older. Especially troubling was the departure of a couple in their nineties who remained very involved in the Caledon East community, who moved to Ottawa because their home was too difficult for them to cope with. In...
ARTIST FEATURE: Ralph Scheiwiller – Inspired Iron
We all have that artistic spark; you know the one that makes us delve into the worlds of music, dance, art and so many other mediums. We all have the capability to create something wonderful, intricate and uniquely ours so long as we allow ourselves to foster that spark. Often that spark gets buried under the white noise of the everyday rat race. However there are some fortunate individuals who break free of the normal work-a-day life...
Headwaters House Tour 2019
The Headwaters Health Care Auxiliary has teamed up with energetic and passionate community volunteers in celebration of the 23rd Headwaters House Tour. Traditionally, the Tour was organized solely by the Headwaters House Tour committee, which is no small feat; having organized over 22 home tours and raising $500,000 to date to support hospital needs. Originally, the committee of twelve had rallied friends, family, neighbours and...