Parrsboro Creative
151 Main Street B0M 1S0 Parrsboro, NS, Canada

Just one of the must-see art destinations this Saturday, October 3rd in Parrsboro! Art Lab Studios & Gallery will be having an exhibition opening of "MASKS of Mermaid Theatre" by Jim Morrow at 4 pm!

WONDERFUL WEEKEND! There's no shortage of creative things to do in Parrsboro this weekend, so make a day of it this Saturday. There's our Art Pop-Up at the Bandstand on Main Street across from Tim Horton's from 11am-4pm (https://www.facebook.com/events/328160258453701), followed by the Jim Morrow exhibition opening of handcrafted masks at 4 pm at Art Lab Studios & Gallery. Then have a bite at a local restaurant before heading to Ship's Company Theatre at 7:30 pm to watch professionally produced plays written by youngsters in their Play-Building workshop. Note: you must pre-register for the Ship's event. Have fun!

Artist Bill Rogers took his Plein Air course, organized by Art Lab, to the shore on the weekend, and master photographer Lawrence Nicoll was on hand to get some shots. Lawrence is offering 'Wild Horses & Other Things', a talk and photo montage about Sable Island Wednesday at 7:30pm at The Hall so go to www.thehall.ca or call Nancy Curleigh at 902-254-3598 to book your seat. Covid-19 restrictions will be in place.

Don't forget to register for the Hall for Wednesday. I am giving one of my travel talks, this time on Sable Island, the horses and other creatures.

PARRSBORO POP-UPS CONTINUE EDIT: We've forged a great lineup of painters, photographers, weavers, leatherworkers, woodworkers and musicians for this Oct. 3 event at the Parrsboro Bandstand on Main Street across from Tim Horton's. Come on down between 11am and 4 pm. You won't be disappointed! Calling all artists, artisans, musicians and dancers in Parrsboro and surrounding area!... Parrsboro Creative is organizing another Pop-Up Event at the local Bandstand on Main Street at the Cross Roads on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 am - 4 pm. We are seeking interested local artists of any medium who would like to participate with a demonstration, performance and/or display of their work, with the perk of potential sales as well. We are primarily seeking creatives who have had little public exposure so we can help promote their work. We are limited by space and social distancing protocols so if we are unable to serve all that are interested, or if you're unable to participate, don't worry! We will be organizing more opportunities in the following year. We also welcome local food vendors who would like to set up and sell their products on-site. During this difficult time for artists and the public, we are offering this service without any fees attached to this event. If you are interested in participating, please contact Parrsboro Creative at 902-728-2007, [email protected] or [email protected]:

A big shout-out to Rosemary Brushes for their sponsorship of the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival this year. Thank you for the gift cert. And a great job on the PAF . . . you really did a swell job, wrote Diane Liefheit of New York state. On behalf of all the artists and Parrsboro Creative, thanks to Rosemary Brushes and the other sponsors. Rosemary Brushes are available at Art Lab in Parrsboro.

Be sure to not miss the Social-Distance concert this coming Sunday evening. The Headliner Highlight concert will feature performances by many of the top enter...tainers who have entertained at The Hall in the past several years. From JP Cormier to Jimmy Rankin all have generously agreed to take part, even virtually, in this presentation. With videos made by Tommy Strutz you will be able to revisit some fabulous performances. Tune in at 7:00 pm at www.thehall.ca/livewebevents; www.parrsborolionsclub.ca; Eastlink Cable 5 or listen in on CICR radio. See more

PARRSBORO POP-UPS CONTINUE Calling all artists, artisans, musicians and dancers in Parrsboro and surrounding area! Parrsboro Creative is organizing another Pop-Up Event at the local Bandstand on Main Street at the Cross Roads on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 am - 4 pm. We are seeking interested local artists of any medium who would like to participate with a demonstration, performance and/or display of their work, with the perk of potential sales as well. ... We are primarily seeking creatives who have had little public exposure so we can help promote their work. We are limited by space and social distancing protocols so if we are unable to serve all that are interested, or if you're unable to participate, don't worry! We will be organizing more opportunities in the following year. We also welcome local food vendors who would like to set up and sell their products on-site. During this difficult time for artists and the public, we are offering this service without any fees attached to this event. If you are interested in participating, please contact Parrsboro Creative at 902-728-2007, [email protected] or [email protected].

2020 continues to surprise me, considering that this year has been one of major changes. I am sending a BIG and hearty congratulations to Susan Hanrahan, now former Executive Director at Craft Nova Scotia and Susan Charles the former Director of Centre for Craft Nova Scotia on their retirement this year. These two remarkable advocates of Fine Craft in the #Maritimes will be sorely missed. As one of many folks who have experienced their generosity, these two giants have gre...atly affected my life by propelling me into my present career at Parrsboro Creative. While they have bid farewell from their posts, they have built and left a legacy of excellence and kindness with a contagious passion for #Craft in the hands of their talented, capable protégés and colleagues. Thank you for your decades-worth of wisdom, tenacity and expertise. We appreciate this passing of the baton to emerging voices and even in the face of adversity, we appreciate you fostering wellness and creativity in our artistic community. Enjoy some TLC and R&R; you deserve all of it! Please send along a message to Craft Nova Scotia if you'd like for it to reach Susan Hanrahan and take a moment to read the announcement of her retirement from last week. My heart to yours, Jocelyn Li - Executive Director at Parrsboro Creative

Bill Rogers has been painting portraits since he was eighteen. He's a gifted master of capturing the inner light of his subjects and making their expressions universal. They are not just portraits to interest family. They are portraits of universal appeal. A reflection of distinction. He captures the working man, the student and the ordinary with such devotion and insight. Art Lab is proud to be able to mount Bill's portrait work at Art Lab. He's deserving of exhibitions in g...alleries of distinction around the world. Please come to Art Lab and take time to admire and study this special collection and reflect on the lives portrayed. If you're a collector of fine art adding a Bill Rogers portrait to your collection of art work is important. If you're not a collector perhaps this is the time to start. Come at 4 pm on Saturday the 12th, meet Bill and discover "A Time to Reflect".

Thank you for coming out to support our artisans at the Craft Pop-Up Saturday. And we thank the participants, including our own Janet Doble, who has been so supportive. We also appreciate the work of photographer extraordinaire Alan Norsworthy, whose work can be seen at www.alannorsworthy.smugmug.com and www.ajnphotography.ca

More than 200 people came out to see art in the making Saturday (Sept. 5) during a Craft Pop-Up organized by Parrsboro Creative. Local craftspeople potter Janet Doble, weavers Tom and Beth Poirier, and metalsmith Jocelyn Li, who’s also the executive director of Parrsboro Creative, demonstrated their crafts before an appreciative audience in the first pop-up the group has organized at the Parrsboro Bandshell. Pianist John McIntyre and flautist David Howe provided musical enter...tainment for much of the 11 am-4 pm event. We’re absolutely delighted with the turnout and the artists have indicated they were very pleased and want to do it again, said Li. I’m sure we will have other pop-ups featuring others arts and crafts in the near future. The pop-ups are connected to a new initiative by Parrsboro Creative which endeavours to support the local artistic community, offering artisans instruction, exhibitions and a chance to socialize with each other. The goal is to solidify Parrsboro’s reputation as a welcome place for artists and craftspeople to live and work. We were very pleased and surprised with how things turned out, said Tom Poirier at the pop-up event. We weren’t really expecting so many people or so many sales. (Photos by Alan Norsworthy) www.ajnphotography.ca

Main & Station is hosting the art of Mark Morris until Sept. 19. Originally from Parrsboro but now living in Alberta, Mark has been making art for over 50 years, with his work shown in every province and in many private collections. Open by chance or appointment.

I'll be puttering away later this morning for the Craft Pop-Up from 11-4 pm! Come by to say hello and check out what we're all working on at the Bandstand. See you then! - Jocelyn

A Nova Scotia native, Beth and her son, Tom Poirier came to visit Parrsboro last fall and fell in love with the Minas Basin and Bay of Fundy. They moved in the midst of the pandemic and stayed largely isolated since early April. They have not yet been publicly introduced in-person, and we're offering you this opportunity to meet them! Get to know more about Beth and Tom with this "About Page". Tomorrow, they will be demonstrating spinning and weaving at the Parrsboro Bandstand from 11 - 4 pm. After your errands to the Farmer's Market, come check out their craft and expertise in handwoven textiles! Please welcome and give thanks to Beth Poirier Handwovens and Tom for sharing their process and passion.

Watch Janet Doble throw pottery on a wheel this Saturday from 11 - 4 pm at the Parrsboro Bandstand on Main Street! Learn more about your local artists with this "About Page" on Janet. More to follow tomorrow! Janet Doble has been a strong art and craft advocate in every facet of her life. Thank you for sharing your passion and dedication with us and the world, Janet! ... Are you interested in participating in a Pop-Up Event with us? Message us at [email protected] or give us a call at 902-728-2007.

This should be good.

My dear Parrsboro locals and art enthusiasts, I have awaited an opportunity to meet you all during a welcome session for my arrival in Parrsboro, organized with the Parrsboro Board of Trade earlier in the year. Both events were sadly cancelled due to a snowstorm and later, the pandemic. By now, I have luckily met many of you in person. I am reminded daily of why I returned to Nova Scotia; I am so touched by all of your warmth and generosity. I can't wait for when we can assem...ble in larger groups safely. If you're in town over the Labour Day weekend, I'd like to invite you to meet a few craft artists and myself who will be sharing and demonstrating our practice at the Parrsboro Bandstand on Main Street on Saturday, September 5th from 11- 4 pm. While we work away, browse a selection of handmade goods and art, many of which are up for sale should something suit your fancy! As I'm getting to know every maker and creative in this beautiful area, please reach out if you're interested in having us showcase your artistic discipline! Writers, musicians, actors, dancers, photographers, and other mediums are most welcome to reach out to us at [email protected] or at the office at 902-728-2007. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing you there! Warmly, Jocelyn Li Executive Director at Parrsboro Creative

An evening with Catherine MacLellan, free, live, and right here on Facebook! August 28th @ 8pm. Join us for the fourth and final installment of Ship's Company T...heatre's Online Music Nights featuring an evening with Catherine MacLellan. Catherine MacLellan is one of Canadian folk music’s true gems. The past four years have been a busy and important time for Catherine as she set aside her own songwriting to celebrate the life and legacy of her late legendary father, Gene MacLellan. During this time, she recorded and released the album, If It’s Alright With You: The Songs of Gene MacLellan; produced a stage show by the same name; and an award winning documentary, The Song and the Sorrow all in tribute to him. Though the acclaim for Catherine’s own work was already significant, it reached new levels when she took home a Juno Award in 2015 for her standout album, The Raven’s Sun. Catherine has also been recognized with multiple East Coast Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Music PEI Awards. She has just released her anticipated seventh album, Coyote. Catherine MacLellan, is a musician’s musician, respected by her peers since releasing Dark Dream Midnight, her first solo album, in 2004. As with many performers, Catherine feels most at home on stage. Going to a Catherine MacLellan show feels much like catching up with an old friend, having those long-heartfelt conversations that mean so much. Song featured: If It's Alright With You - Catherine MacLellan To see previous artists and concert dates in our Online Music Nights Series, check out https://www.shipscompanytheatre.com/online-music-2020/ Thank you to Archway Insurance for their continued support of Ship's Company Theatre and this Online Music Series. Also, this concert would not be possible without the support of Music Nova Scotia and SOCAN. Thank you to Canadian Heritage, Arts Nova Scotia, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Municipality of Cumberland for their support.

We are happy to announce a lovely workshop that you may be interested in. Fox Point Assembly of Text Writers' Circle... We are scheduling start date to be Tuesday September 8th, 2020 ... 1:00 PM. The workshop will be limited to 8 lovely creative folks. So if you are interested please message us to hold your spot or would like more information on the workshop please contact Linda Hargrave Assembly of Text.

REMEMBER . . . First 'Writers Circle' meets at Fox Point Inn, Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 1 p.m.!