Ok, so let’s talk garden tour. In a weak moment in the middle of winter two years ago, I agreed to be on the Creemore Garden Tour in 2013. How was I supposed to know that the day was actually going to arrive? Who am I, Einstein? Those in charge of the tour told me the Book Store would sell my books. How did I know everyone on the tour had already read them? (Either I am a really popular writer or that was peoples’ polite way of say- ing ‘I’m not buying your bloody books, I’m looking at your flowers.’) The most amusing part of the day was viewers’ questions, or as I like to refer to it, as the front porch Q and A. (All of these questions are real. Nothing has been changed to protect the innocent.) Q. Do you buy your mulch or make your own? A. I borrowed the wood Chipper from the Fargo film set and made my own mulch by throwing in all supporters of the mega quarry. Q. I have 23 species of peonies. How many do you have and what is your favourite? A. One and it is pink. Q. Do you mind if I take some clippings? (Woman holds a two-foot mound of clippings from all of my plants. More rest in the pockets of her walker.) A. Yes. Cathy Gildiner GardenTour Purple Hills Arts & Heritage Society presents the Grapevine ❦ fall 2013
Transcript
Ok, so let’s talk garden tour.
In a weak moment in the middle of winter two years ago, I agreed to be on the Creemore Garden Tour in 2013.
How was I supposed to know that the day was actually going
to arrive? Who am I, Einstein?
Those in charge of the tour told me the Book Store would sell my books. How did I know everyone on the tour had already read them? (Either I am a really popular writer or that was peoples’ polite way of say-
ing ‘I’m not buying your bloody books, I’m looking at your flowers.’)
The most amusing part of the day was viewers’ questions, or as I like to refer to it, as the front porch Q and A.
(All of these questions are real. Nothing has been changed to protect the innocent.)
Q. Do you buy your mulch or make your own?
A. I borrowed the wood Chipper from the Fargo film set and made my own mulch by throwing in all supporters of the mega quarry.
Q. I have 23 species of peonies. How many do you have and what is your favourite?
A. One and it is pink.
Q. Do you mind if I take some clippings? (Woman holds a two-foot mound of clippings from all of my plants. More rest in the pockets of her walker.)
A. Yes.
Cathy Gildiner
GardenTour
Purple Hills Arts & Heritage Society presents
theGrapevine
❦
fall 2013
PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE
Hello fellow members. I wanted to recap a very busy spring for PHAHS.
We pulled off two major fundraising events for the Society – the Lobster
Dinner and the Garden Tour. Between the two events we raised $7000.
The Lobster dinner was sold out at 113 people with a waiting list again this year. The lobster was cooked to per-fection under the supervision of Jim McPherson, Ernie Purkis and the beer team. The evening came off without a hitch. Thank you to Fran Breithaupt for managing the event and doing such a super job. We also thank Marie Stephenson and Sandy Trott for the success of past din-ners. We have our seven garden hosts to thank for all the hard work they put in to get their gardens ready for the
June 22nd Garden Tour: Emma Noonan, Jim and Dawn McPherson, Chuck and Lee Magwood, Gordon and Lu-Anne Demetrick, Ralph Hicks, Michael and Cathy Gildiner & Chuck and Sandy Spencer. Approximately 335 people ventured out to see the gardens. Reviews were very positive. I want to the thank the great committee that worked with me on this event – Kate Fleming, Miriam Vince, Cheryl MacLaurin, Sue McKenzie and Jim Harkness. And thank you to the 32 volunteers that gave up part of their Saturday to manage garden traffic. This fall be sure to set aside the week-end of Oct 4,5,6 to attend the second Creemore Festival of the Arts.
We hope you like our redesigned newsletter. Thank you to Ruth Ann Pearce and Michael L'Ecuyer from coloveration art & design.
Here is some advice to all aging gardeners who, like me, believed you’d left com-petition behind, and would enjoy the garden tour.
Think again.
Competition never dies.
It will outlive you.
You will find yourself up at night begging your peonies to hold off blossoming and urging your lilies into bloom with mounds of fertilizer for the fateful day. Despite all the angst and expense, it was actually fun on floral doomsday. We live on a 200 year old farm
previously owned by the Hawkins family for over a century.
Several viewers, now in their nineties, who knew the farm when the Hawkins lived in it for generations, stopped by and told us what life was like on our farm long ago. This part of the day was fascinating. A man saw the barn burn down; another knew the home without indoor plumbing. One used to swim in what he swore was a clear fresh water pond, which is now what I would call a large petri dish.
It was the Hawkins who laid out the rock garden a century ago using the stones from the property as they cleared the land. All I have done is tend it.
I hear that some of the family is still in the county. Next year I’ll let them give the tour.
SueAnn Wickwire
Photography Provided By:
ARTIST PROFILE:RUTH ANN PEARCE
By: Nanci White
On July 13,1986, 3 year old Ruth Ann Pearce’s parents came downstairs in the morning to the living room walls covered in large, red crayon loops. She explained to them she had needed more paper. It looked like they had a budding artist on their hands. Carpenter hobbyist Dad subsequently encouraged supervised hammering and nailing as more suitable media, so much so that, in time, she wrested the coveted grade 8 woodworking prize out of the hands of her grumbling male peers. Further training in stints at the Oakville Art Society, before high school, fed her early established graphics appetite with Disney style animation, caricatures and full colour rendering comic books, produced in prodigious variation.
By late high school, art had seemed to have given way to the more serious aspects of socializing, but an earnest grade art 13 teacher gave her the opportunity to prepare a portfolio, make up stalled projects and so paved the way to her acceptance at every art school to which she applied. The lure of the prestigious Ontario College of Art and Design proved irresistible, plunging her into the world of fine art, painting and drawing. But her husband- to-be, Michael, and his friends, were all cooking up great visuals in the design stream and
gradually the attraction of pen and ink, strong line, colour work and contrast took over from her formal interest in realism, nude studies, and extreme life por-traiture. Graduating in 2007, Ruth Ann briefly left the high intensity art world but realized, by 2009, that if she were serious about her creative life, she had better get back into the flow. And she did with a vengeance: a 90% sold out show at Industrees Gallery,Toronto, in November, 2009, showcased her burgeoning strong suit: pen and ink realism, this time animals, and here beginning an ongoing series of compellingly realistic, bright and graphic bird life depictions. But by 2010, urban life in Toronto’s Little Italy was proving stifling and distracting to the newlywed career artists, who sought the larger, freer canvas again, this time prompted by Mom’s random drive-by discovery of the countryside around Dunedin. Within 4 months, Ruth Ann and Michael had packed up their furniture, lives and art supplies and moved to Creemore: to begin the business of art.
Today, in their 142 Mill Street, South Side, studio and gallery, this 2 person dynamo of expertise turns out the newest, edgiest treasure trove of commercial and fine art: galley quality drawings and digital illustration, editorial design, web site design and implementation, magazines, t-shirts, logos and corporate identities, printing and dye cuts for clients ranging from apple growers to newspapers, from Los Angeles to Lavender.Named ‘coloveration’, a collaboration of love, their business is artful love in deed. For a small taste of their big success, log onto experiencecreemore.com and watch the lights come on in town at 8:00pm every night. Or go to their own dazzlingly modern graphic website, www.coloveration.com, for more eye candy and info.
AMERICAN GOLDFINCHESACRYLIC PAINT, COLOURED PENCIL
& INK ON STONEHENGE PAPER
DIGITAL SELF PORTRAIT
THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS IS SURE TO ENTERTAIN & INSPIRE... TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED!
❦
CREEMORE’S FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
OCTOBER 4, 5 & 6
JASON COLLETT’S ‘BASEMENT REVIEW’ AT THE AVENING HALL
This year Avening Hall is pleased to celebrate YEAR TWO of the Arts Festival with Jason Collett’s critically acclaimed Basement Revue for TWO NIGHTS at the ACC. Each night Collett will be joined by a gang of guests – some musicians, some writers and some other friends too.
Past guests of the Basement Revue include Feist, Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew and Brendan Can-ning, Hayden, Buck 65, K-OS, Dave Bidini and Luke Doucet.
For more information about tickets, go to www.aven-inghall.com or contact [email protected], 705-466-9906. Advance Tickets - $20 for Friday, Oct. 4, and $30 for Saturday, Oct. 5. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00 pm. Dinner will be available for purchase - Men with Knives on Friday and Localista on Saturday. Adults only. May contain mature content.
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
The Sculpture Garden, sponsored by the Purple Hills Arts & Heritage Society, will feature large pieces by three local sculptors – Ernest Herzig (Dunedin), Roy Hickling (Barrie) and Ralph Hicks (Creemore).
Ernest Herzig’s stone, stainless and aluminum pieces depict harmonious couples and gender equality. Roy Hickling’s series of metal globes seeks to place our planet in its largest context while reminding us that it is our only home. Ralph Hicks will be creating Public Works – a live series of original installation pieces using material borrowed from the Clearview Works Department.
JURIED ART SHOW
Our 2nd annual Juried Art Show, installed at the Station on the Green, is juried by a committee which includes a past director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the current Curator of the Quest Gallery, a local stu-dent/artist, and a PHAHS executive member. ‘Emerg-ing to experienced’ artists will be showcased, making the work accessible to all who visit.
Gain insight into what inspires their creative process by joining the artists at our members’ reception on Saturday October 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Choose your favourite work to add to your collection of local art.
PURPLE HILLS WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION
PHAHS members visit with friends at a private viewing of the Juried Art Show on Saturday October 5 from 5 to 7 pm, at Station on the Green.
Meet the artists, and enjoy some refreshments and remarkable art. Suggested donation $15. RSVP [email protected].
ARTICLES
ARTicles is a three-day Silent Auction of transformed articles. Community participants will create/transform an object into a piece of collectible art. Viewing and bidding from 11:00 am to 5 pm, October 4, 5 and 6, at the Mad and Noisy Gallery.
A portion of the profits from the auction will be do-nated to the Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School Music Program, for the purchase of new instruments. For more information, contact Gail Caswell [email protected].
THE CREEMORE MOSAIC PROJ-ECT: TAKE TWO
Join local photographer M.K Lynde, as she snaps your picture to include in her interactive community photo project. M. K. will be crowd-sourcing images on the streets of Creemore, on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6, from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. This
creative undertaking needs your face!
ARTISTS ON LOCATION
Enjoy a wide variety of art in business and studio loca-tions. Pick up your copy of the September 27 edition of the Creemore Echo for a full listing of artists or check online at www.phahs.ca for details.
Photography Provided By: Bryan Davies Photography Artists currently registered are: Peter Adams, Inese Bite, Martha Bull, Lisa Chandler, Loralie Clemmensen, Nikki Cosack, darci-que, Bryan Davies, Liz Eakins, Jordan Eveland, Ernest Herzig, Roy Hickling, Ralph Hicks, Diane Hutchings, David John-son, Alicia Lawson, Taylor Ledden, Norma Lee, Karen Lee, Mike and Connie Leishman, Jim Leithead, Frieda Linke, Carola Little, MK Lynde, Ayrlie MacEachern, Kai Liis MacInnes, Sue Miller, Andrea Mueller, Edi-son Osorio, Ruth Ann Pearce, Bianca Perren, Dorothy Shropshire, Sara Sniderhan, Suzanne Steeves, Peter Taylor, David Dillon, Jenn Wilkins, David Wilson, Sandi Wong, Jane Wynne
SIMCOE COUNTY MUSEUM PRES-
ENTS HERITAGE CRAFTS AT THE LOG CABIN
Join the interpreters from the Simcoe County Muse-um for a display of Heritage Crafts at the Creemore Log Cabin. View live demonstrations of textile craft, learn about crafting from days gone by and try a hands-on program. Volunteers from the Log Cabin will be available to answer questions about this im-portant building from Creemore’s past. Free and open on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm: all ages.
BARRIE COUNTY CHORDS-MEN
Come and have your spirits lifted by the glorious Barrie County Chordsmen and friends, as they present old songs and new songs in harmony and joy.
For more than 37 years, this group of 65 men (ranging in age from 14 to 80-plus years) has entertained com-munities in Simcoe County, singing four-part harmony in a unique a cappella style. Performing on Sunday, October 6, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, at St. John’s United Church. Donations much appreciated.
For more information contact David Wilson (705) 466-5223, or go to their website www.barriecounty-chordsmen.com.
VARIATIONS ON THE LITER-ARY ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Curiosity House Books and Cardboard Castles Chil-dren’s Emporium are pleased to present Variations on the Literary Arts this year. On Saturday October 5, from 10:00 am to noon, they will welcome Lisa Dalry-mple and Suzanne Del Rizzo, author and illustrator of
the book “Skink on the Brink” for an all ages hands-on clay modeling session that illustrates the techniques used to illustrate their amazing book. Kids can Enjoy story time and learn how to create your own dimen-sional illustrations using plasticine.
From noon to 3:00 pm, Robin from RoroArts will make sock puppets with kids aged 7 and older. After-wards kids can play away on a giant puppet theatre stage. Registration is required to ensure enough sup-plies are on hand; Contact [email protected].
ARTISAN SHOW AND SALE
What greater gift is there than a unique article which is made by hand? Meet talented local artisans and find some fabulous handmade crafts, artwork, wood working, jewellery, and body products at the Cree-more Legion on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Brunch available.
EXCITING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES PRESENTED
BY MOVING IN COMMUNITY
Kids and families are invited to join Ayrlie MacEach-ern and Sara Felschow from Moving in Community on Sunday October 6, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Station on the Green for programs which explore dance and movement.
• 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Listening Body – Contact Improv.• 12:30 to 1:00 pm Flash dance your t-shirt! Rip and rock a shirt you modify.• 1:00 to 3:00pm Modern Dance with Sarah and Ayrlie.
• 3:00 to 4:00 pm Mini dance performances.What better opportunity is there to explore their artis-tic side and set their imaginations free? More details will be available, closer to the event. For more informa-tion contact Ayrlie MacEachern (705) 444-0550,[email protected].
“HOOKED IN HOUSE” AT MAD MAPLE COUNTRY INN
Mad Maple Country Inn proudly presents Hooked in House - A play with one actress, seven fascinating women and seven small plates, on Sunday, October 6 at 2:00pm. The audience will travel from room to room for an intimate performance by acclaimed, three-time Gemini Award-winning actress Nicky Guadagni, while enjoying seasonal refreshments that reflect a time and place in history at each turn. Visit www.mad-maple.ca for ticket information. Tickets are limited and Accommodation Packages at the Inn are available.
BIDINI, BOOKS AND BEER
On Sunday, October 6, at 2:00 pm, join Dave Bidini for an author event at the Avening Hall. Dave is a Gemini, Genie, Juno and Canada Reads award-nom-inee, as well a founding member of the Rheostatics. He will be will be reading from his newly-released book, Keon and Me: My Search for the Lost Soul of the Leafs. This event is hosted by the Creemore Men’s Book Club and all genders are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact [email protected]. Reservations are appreciated.
DIGGING DEEPER
Sunday, October 6 at the Avening Hall (time to be confirmed) enjoy a sneak preview of a play which tells the dramatic story behind the mega-quarry battle,
with readings from the draft script, costume design drawings, songs-in-progress and initial choreography - created in collaboration with local people under the guidance of director Dale Hamilton and composer James Gordon.
ALLA PRIMA OIL PAINTING: A LIVE DEMONSTRATION OF PAINTING A HEAD BY SARA
SNIDERHAN
Watch award winning artist, Sara Sniderhan paint an oil sketch from a live model. Sniderhan is keen on discussing materials, techniques and her experiences as a professional artist with visitors to the Mad and Noisy Gallery . The demonstration will begin at 10:00 am, with a break from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and will conclude at 4:00 pm.
– THANK YOU –
During this operating year we have dispersed over $13,000. The monies have been directed to the following sponsorships/donations/grants programs:
❧ Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School - $3000 for school band instruments❧ Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School - $500 for Arts/History Student Awards❧ Stayner Collegiate - $1000 for Arts/History Student Awards❧ Avening Community Hall - $2000 towards safety repairs❧ Mad & Noisy - $1000 to support the CreemoreCentric Community Show❧ St. Luke’s Gift of Music - $1000 to support music in the school❧ Arts in the School Program - $2862 to provide art classes for grades 6-8❧ Imaginarium Summer Art Camp - $600 to sponsor three kids to attend the camp❧ Creemore Children’s Festival - $500 towards event programming❧ Community Events - $750 towards Santa Clause Parade and Canada Day
If you are not already a member here is how you can join and receive the Grapevine newsletter on an ongoing basis.
If you are not already a member here is how you can join and receive The Grapevine on an ongoing basis. Membership costs $25.00 for a single and $40.00 for a family. You can log into our website www.phahs.ca and join online using paypal or print the membership form and mail it to:
PHAHS, 10 Caroline Street East, Creemore, ON, L0M 1G0
Fran Breithaupt, Gail Caswell, Simon Heath, Sara Hershoff, Sue McKenzie, Ruth Ann Pearce, Suzanne Steeves, Miriam Streiman, Nanci White & Paul Vorstermans
CHANGES
At the AGM in March we welcomed four new Board members and said thank you and goodbye to four.
JOINING:
❧ Sue McKenzie, Chief Administration Officer for Clearview Township
❧ Gail Caswell, Retired, a former Visual Arts Teacher
❧ Miriam Streiman, Owner/Operator of Mad Maple Country Inn
❧ Ruth Ann Pearce, Co-owner of coloveration art and design in Creemore
DEPARTING:
❧ Kate Fleming❧ Cecily Ross❧ David Bruce Johnson❧ Linda Coulter
HOMETOWNSECURITY
By: Chris Raible
On Library Street south of Caroline stands a small stone jail – built in 1892, it is perhaps Creemore’s most famous building. For half a century its three cells served as a holding tank: offenders were jailed short term; more serious crimi-nals awaited the next train to transport them to court elsewhere in the County. Almost a decade earlier, thirty-three “Freeholders and Householders” of Creemore petitioned Simcoe County to “erect the village into a Police Village.” A by-law was passed; “Police Trustees” were elected; a constable, was employed ($40 a month) to keep the peace. By 1892, the village needed a secure lock-up, a “Police jail.” A lot by the railway line was purchased ($50) and James Clow erected the jail ($425.20). Alas, apparently no records exist naming those jailed, totaling how many were incarcerated, or listing their offences. What is known is that along with its purpose as a short-term prison for criminals, the jail had continuing social functions. An old newspaper reports that its first inhabitant was a stray cow! Drunkards were held overnight to allow them to sober up. During the 1930s, the jail provided unemployed itinerants with temporary shelter. In the 1940s, changing policing practice closed the jail. In the 1960s (thanks to the Lions Club) it was opened as a tourist attraction, advertised as “North America’s Smallest Jail.” Reportedly, other Ontario communities contest the claim – it may depend upon external vs. internal dimen-sions, area vs. cubic measurements. Until an objective study is made, Creemore will continue to affirm that it is a village with a big heart and the smallest jail.
