PEI

Island creations a point of pride at new craft centre

The new gallery and learning spaces are open at the PEI Crafts Council's Centre for Craft, showcasing and selling Island artisan's creations.

'There are so many great artisans and it just showcases their work'

Art in different mediums like textiles, wood and pottery cover the shelves of the new gallery space. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

The PEI Crafts Council's new gallery and learning space is open to the public at its new location at 98 Water Street.

The space, formerly home to restaurant Local 343, opened on June 5th and has seen steady traffic while showcasing Island arts and crafts.

"Prior to this we just had some office space so it is great to have the retail space back here on the Island," said Claire Palmer, gallery manager at the Centre for Craft.

The Centre for Craft opened its doors to the new location at 98 Water Street on June 5th. (Jane Robertson/CBC)
Iconic P.E.I. images from foxes to lighthouses pop up in the crafty creations. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

The art for sale on display is all made on Prince Edward Island.

PEI Crafts Council juried members can have pieces included in the gallery.

The PEI Crafts Council's new Centre for Craft includes office and learning spaces. (Jane Robertson/CBC)
Classes in the learning space will include business workshops for artists to help improve other aspects of their careers. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

They also have room for educational classes on the second floor, where people can sign up for workshops.

These are open to the public and designed to help artisans and crafters further their careers.

'We have a really good variety,' says Claire Palmer, of the diverse range of arts and crafts at the centre. (Jane Robertson/CBC)
Unique handmade pieces of jewellery are some of the pieces on display. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

"Right now, we are showcasing over 40 Island artisans here in the gallery so we have potters, woodworkers, textile artists and jewellers," Palmer said. "So we have a really good variety."  

Red-haired girls with pigtails also pop up within the art that covers the walls of the gallery space. (Jane Robertson/CBC)
Some of the crafts feature repurposed materials like this insect with a metal spatula for a back. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

"The Island has so much great talent here, there are so many great artisans and it just showcases their work." 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Robertson

Journalist

Jane Robertson is a digital visual storyteller with CBC News on Prince Edward Island. She uses video and audio to weave stories, and previously worked out of Edmonton and Iqaluit. Her journalism career has spanned more than 15 years with CBC. You can reach her at [email protected].