Greetings!
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And just like that...summer is almost officially over. As we make our way, (somewhat reluctantly), back to work and to school, we get to reflect back on all the awesome things that we did this summer. For some people that was doing some globe-trotting, while for others it was spending time camping or at the cottage (a personal favourite of mine). For other people it meant doing some 'chillaxin' at home in their own back yards. For some of us, summer means buckling down and working harder than ever, but for a few people, it meant spending time being creative. Whether you are a writer, a painter, a potter, a weaver, a jeweller or any of the other amazing ways to be creative, if summer was your season to create, I am truly happy for you! (and somewhat jealous but in a very good way!) Sometimes from September to June, life, with all it's demands and schedules, takes precedent with no time spent just for us and the expression of creativity. But with the heat of the summer and perhaps some overdue vacation, time somehow manages to slow a little bit, and we get to do whatever it is we love the most. It's such an amazing feeling and I encourage everyone to take some time out from September to June, to keep up the practice. Maybe it's by taking a class (we have an amazing class on September 23 with a fantastic teacher) or maybe it's taking some time at the end of the day when the kids are tucked in, to sit down with some knitting or crochet in front of the TV. Maybe for you men, you get to sneak down to the workshop to tinker away... Whatever brings you joy, just do it! (I love this Nike phrase so much I have it tattooed on my arm for when I make excuses to create or when I let fear take a hold of me it reminds me to ... just Do It!).
Today is a very special day for me. 4 years ago I purchased Cornerstone Canadian Art & Craft, and this day was my first day on the job. I was full of ideas and enthusiasm. Four years later, I am still full of ideas and enthusiasm! (sometimes to the dismay of my lovely staff!) So I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends and family whom have taken the time to come here and support me. There have been challenges and there will continue to be challenges as the retail and political world changes around us. I simply could not do this without manager Lisa scales. Her love of Cornerstone, Canada and her commitment to a a mutual vision, is what keeps the store a favourite amongst locals and travellers. The staff is amazing. I dislike referring to them as staff because to me they are family. Gillian, Sue, Lynn and Lise work hard at delivering outstanding customer service and all are equally invested in the Cornerstone philosophy. I urge you next time you are in, to please let the ladies know how much you appreciate their assistance, their level of customer service and commitment in helping you choose just the right gift for yourself or for another lucky recipient. Lastly I want to thank all of Cornerstone's customers. We very much appreciate local peeps who make it their store of choice when looking for gifts all year round and for travellers, who make it their mission to come to the store each and every time they come to visit. Some of these people come from very far away and it is an honour to be held as a favourite in their hearts. We have set some lofty goals - some we have met (creating an indigenous room), and some we have not (launching our on line store). As we move forward in expanding our Indigenous room and launching our on line store ( I promise it will happen this year!), we do so in keeping with our goal, "Support Canadian artists, who in turn can support their communities". We feel that Cornerstone is a small piece of a much bigger picture - to celebrate all the men, women and children who make this country so great. If you have friends and family who have not yet made it to Cornerstone, I encourage you to bring them with you, so they can see for themselves this magikal place we call home.
In other news... Our featured artist (or in this case artists) for the month of September are glass artist Ruth Pugh & mixed media artist, Deborah Macnab. Their lovely works will be up on the feature wall throughout September.
We have been inundated with lovely pieces from all of our favourite artists! Too numerous to mention, I will simply show in photos!!! However, I will say, that if you are looking for ways to organize your life, we have amazingly beautiful calendars from Oladesign, Dorset Fine Art and Canadian Art Prints.
If you are looking to try something new to express your creativity then look no further! Try a scratchboard art class with Lori Dunn on Sunday September 23, from 10:00 AM - 5 PM. Lori is the premier scratchboard artist. Her work is sought after by collectors everywhere. The materials are included in the course fee, as is lunch and some light refreshments (tea/coffee & cookies!). Lunch will be at Score Pizza where you can build your pizza EXACTLY the way you like it! Thanks Joel at Score Pizza for agreeing to host our hungry artists! The fee for the class is $135.00 and there are only 8 spots available so call in and sign up!!!
There is still time to vote for us for the Attractions Ontario award. Voting is daily until September 30th. Show your love by making Cornerstone your favourite Top Small Museum, Art Gallery/Historic Site.
The fall ontinues to be HOT! Remember we are a part of the No Hot Pets program again this year. Please DO NOT leave animals (or CHILDREN) in the car. We allow you to bring your leashed pet (or a pet in a stroller) into the store instead of leaving them in a hot car. We are also a partner of the water bottle refill program so we will refill water bottles and pet bowls too! Animals are afraid of fireworks so please be mindful of pets when you are celebrating. The last thing you want is to be searching for a pet that's bolted outside at night because it's afraid. Be mindful too that fireworks frighten our natural wildlife as well.
From our heart you yours,
Penny & the wonderful staff at Cornerstone
P.S.
.... We've already ordered mitts.... YIKES!!!!
