Ambient_woods

Jeff Green | Jul 16, 2009

Painting by Katie Ohlke

Not to outdone by their southern compatriots, the North of 7 crowd have set up their own artisans’ guild.

Ambient Woods Creative Collective is a group of artists and artisans from the Plevna area. They held a meeting back in March, and that's when they decided that they should set up an artisans’ guild for North Frontenac. From the original few members the numbers have begun to swell, and next weekend 10 members of the guild will be holding their first collective show and sale at the Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna.

Marlene Leeson, who lives in Plevna and runs a small artisan store out of her home, is one of the founders of the collective. “We decided to focus on our first show, to introduce ourselves; hopefully people will join us next weekend. We will be showing the work of at least 10 artists at our first show, and the show will also be a fundraiser for the fire department,” Marlene said.

Gourds  turned into Loons by Malene Leeson

Among the artists participating in the event along with Marlene Leeson, who paints acrylics and creates art pieces out of gourds, will be: Katie Ohlke – acrylics and painted paddles, Jacqui Jeronimus – acrylic and photography, Gabriella Klessen – acrylic painter, Debbie Emery - fibre artist, Betty Hunter – fibre artist, Annemarie Schonauer – jewelry, Janet Ducharme – organic soaps and lotions. Debbie Kiss – organic soaps, and new member Terry Kittmer - Woodworker/cabinet maker. Terry also makes unique log cabin doll houses.

The show is targeted at the local population as well as tourists and summer residents.

But this first show is just a start for Ambient Woods. Plans are afoot for a major Christmas event, and the guild will be working this winter towards a festival that they hope to inaugurate next summer.

Admission to the show is free, and there will be hot dogs and hamburgers available courtesy of the fire department. The show runs from 10 am to 7 pm; for further information, call Marlene at 613-479-0297, or Janet at 613-479-2898.