The Abbey Studio
2689 Penrith Ave. v0r 1s0 Cumberland, BC, Canada

In case you are wondering what's going on in here these days, we have been making some dance videos and music recordings for virtual Wood Stove Festival. Nice to see the Abbey all gussied up, Caresse Nadeau created this fabulous backdrop for the recordings.

An update about future use of Abbey Studio~ Finding ways to adapt and keep dancing at the Abbey Studio The Abbey Studio will not be hosting any public events or rentals for a while, perhaps 1-2 years. I will continue to maintain this unique historical building as a creative hub and but it's time to change things up. In order to create some income from the space and keep the creative energy flowing, the studio will soon become shared practice/workspace with an artist in resid...ence on one side. My new roommate/studio mate/collaborator Caresse Nadeau is a dancer, aerialist, multi media artist, costume designer and musician. Caresse and I have worked together on many creative projects and community events in the past. We both plan to offer private classes, small workshops and micro presentations in the near future. I’m seeing this as an opportunity to lift the veils, grow as an artist, complete unfinished projects, learn to adapt and collaborate better, and find new ways to play and connect. Also, looking forward to outdoor community events and performance opportunities this Fall/Winter. If you are interested in custom private lessons or small group workshops (mixed media art, mask making, dance and yoga) contact me at [email protected]. Also, if you did not receive an email from me and you have credits from unfinished Spring 2020 session, please let me know. Love and shimmies, Cathy

Many of you may have noticed that the big sequoia tree that once stood in front of the Abbey Studio at the corner of First and Penrith Avenue has been cut down. The descion to remove this beautiful tree was not made lightly. As a self proclaimed tree hugging dirt worshipper I have agonized over this decision. After much contemplation and consultation from several local tree experts, I came to the conclusion that cutting down the tree was necessary. When I saw the photo of th...e tree taken in 1996 (see photos below) I realized I could no longer put off this decision. Sequoias are extremely fast growing soft wood trees and although they are uncommon in this area they are not native or endangered. It was a bad decision to plant such a large fast growing tree next to a building on that corner. The tree root system had begun lifting the sidewalk around it and damaging the Abbey. The choice came down to the tree or the building. With all respect to the tree, the Abbey is a significant heritage building that I strive to maintain structurally and creatively. A tall stump has been left and the plan is to have it carved into a little free library, conveniently located across from the community food pantry. See more

Sweet video filmed in the Abbey Studio.

Last pop up Bazaar of the Summer is happening this Sunday, August 30, 10AM-4PM (on front deck of the Abbey on 1st street).

Pop up bazaar on front deck of Abbey Studio this Sunday Aug. 23, 11AM-6PM. Lots of eclectic goodies for sale; limited edition prints by Caresse Nadeau, vegan baking by Lilly as well as, handmade jewelry, accessories and cotton face masks, clothing, costumes, curios and books.

I've been cleaning up in the studio and witch cave; clothing, textiles, jewelry, books and curios for sale. Also, fresh homemade vegan baking by Lilly Stoyko Lang and creative offerings by Caresse Nadeau.