It’s become an annual tradition that we know many art lovers in around St. John’s look forward to. From Dec. 5, 2014 to Jan. 10, 2015, the Christina Parker Gallery will be featuring their Year End Celebration. Clifford George’s stunning work will be shown along side that of his most talented colleagues. The gallery is in St. John’s – make sure to put it on your (we’re sure quite busy) to-do list in the coming weeks! To see more pictures of the exhibit, please see our Facebook page, and have a great weekend.
Alice’s Tea Party Recap
Last weekend’s Alice’s Tea Party was a huge, whimsical success, and we’re so happy to have been a part of it. Of course, this was the event, sponsored by the Whiteway Spring Hare and Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, that welcomed artists and guests to celebrate in our English gardens at The Doctor’s House. We were delighted to host well over 100 attendees, and, judging from our excelllent feedback, everyone really enjoyed themselves. Everyone loved the venue, Chef Cate’s specialties (what garden party is complete without afternoon tea?) and the ambiance – so much so that we hope to make this an annual tradition! A big thanks to the wonderful artists, poets and musicians who helped to make such a wonderful afternoon.
And thanks to Margaret Ayad for this picture of Clifford George, one of the featured artists, and for documenting the day with such lovely photographs . You can see all of her photos of the tea party, here (and follow her on Facebook to stay up to date with everything happening out here on the Baccalieu!).
Cheshire Cat’s Coming?
You never know who might show up at Alice’s Tea Party! What we know for some is that some of our favourite Newfoundland artists will be there, delighting us with their many talents. And we can’t wait to mingle with neighbours and guests in our English gardens at The Doctor’s House. As for the Cheshire Cat – well, he’s a wily, unpredictable thing now, isn’t he?
Please don’t forget, Alice’s Tea Party is free to the public, from 1-5p.m. If you’d like to make a reservation for our served tea (at $25 a person), please email info@doctorshousenewfoundland.com. We can’t wait to see you!
Clifford’s Ready for Alice’s Tea Party – Are You?
Newfoundland artist extraordinaire Clifford George is ready for Alice’s Tea Party – are you? We’re so excited that the Whiteway Spring Hare and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council are bringing the beloved Spring Hare tradition to The Doctor’s House this September, where Alice, and the best Newfoundland artists around, will be heralding an afternoon tea party!
Experience the best of Newfoundland art, including artists, poets and musicians, while you linger in our English gardens, on September 21 from 1-5pm. We’re delighted for another chance to celebrate art and community, and will be looking forward to experiencing the talents of artists J.C. Roy, George Horan, Ilse Hughes, Sylvia Benza, Kathleen Knowling, Sarah Fletcher, Clifford George, Wayne George, and Renee Harnum, poets Dorothy McIntosh-Harvey and Robert Bissett, and musicians Gerry Strong and Fred Humber (phew, that’s a long list!).
All are welcome to this free cultural event. Afternoon Tea will be served between 2-4pm, at $25 per person. To enjoy our Tea, please make a reservation at info@doctorshousenewfoundland.com or by calling 582-2754. We hope to see you there!
Budding Saturday: Beyond the Overpass
Another beauty from brilliant Newfoundland photographer, Bud Vincent, this time of Harcourt, on Smith Sound. Bud likes to document all the charms of this island ‘outside the overpass’ – meaning, outside St. John’s. Since moving to the Wonderful World of Whiteway, we’ve definitely learned (again) how much this province has to offer. We’re certainly blessed.
This weekend, we’re decorating The Doctor’s House for Christmas – I can’t wait. You can learn more about our offerings there in our Christmas newsletter. And remember, tonight at 7pm, we’ll be offering a brilliant 3 course meal. For more info, or to see the menu, please see here.
Leonard Howlett – New Artist at the Shag It
Leonard Howlett has a unique eye for beauty so I’ve been using some of the pictures he’s shared with me on our blog. Now I’m happy to share some pictures of the beautiful carvings of his that we now have on offer at the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop. Leonard carves spirits into wood from local trees and into pyrophyllite, a soapstone-like mineral mined in Conception Bay. He’s been carving these treasures for over 20 years, and they’re so beautiful that we’re delighted to be able to offer them at our shop.
Leonard, his wife, Tina, and his daughter, Kristen have been out a few times to enjoy our cottages. They also got a chance to visit our ponies at The Doctor’s House, as you can see below!
Budding Saturday: Rock Harbour
Another Saturday, another beautiful Newfoundland scene captured by the brilliant Bud Vincent. This was captured in Rock Harbour near Petite Forte, on the Burin Peninsula. Another classic!
Budding Saturday: Traditional Boats
Saturday’s we like sharing pictures from Bud Vincent, a great Newfoundland photographer. He says he loves taking pictures of boats, and I can see why. I love the way he captures the stillness and beauty of this traditional Newfoundland scene (if you have more interest in traditional boat building, please check out the Wooden Boat Museum in Winterton, near our cottages – we did, and we loved it).
Young Artists in the Wonderful World of Whiteway
You know that I can’t rave enough about the artistic talent out here in Whiteway, and that I try to use this space to promote local artists and events – I’ve gotten so much from this community, I’m more than happy to share it. In that vein, well-known Newfoundland artist and friend Clifford George has emailed me some pictures, telling me that he likes to promote young people who show an interest in art. It’s clear from these pictures that Clifford is more than their ‘promoter’ – he is also surely a mentor and teacher, and we are so blessed to have him – and such bright young people – in our community.
So here are some of these young people. First is Dylan, who is interested in painting and the colour wheel, so Clifford has been trying to teach him that. According to Clifford, Dylan has done 5 Shag Rocks, because ‘practice makes perfect.’ You can see in these pictures just how much practice he’s put in – they’re really amazing. 
Another of Clifford’s informal students is 13 year-old Ashley. I asked Clifford to tell me a little bit about her to include with her pictures, and he wrote this: “She loves to draw and to write poetry. She loves animals and loves to ride horse back. She has been coming down to our house for a few years now, she usually leaves poetic notes around the house.” As you can see from these pictures, Ashley, like Dylan, is an eager and gifted student, and I’m happy to be able to showcase this budding young talent with you. 
All in all, I wish these young artists the best and am sure they have a bright future ahead of them.
Come out for Clifford
From March 16 – April 7, Whiteway’s own Clifford George will be displaying his work in an exhibition entitled “Presence of Absence” at the Christina Parker Gallery in St. John’s. If you’re in the area, you should head over to the opening reception tonight, from 5:30-8:00, where there will be live music from Boyd Chubbs and Charlie Crocker, and a recitation from John Warren. Clifford will be in attendance. So much Newfoundland talent in one space!
We’ll be there tonight, then heading to O’Reillys for some Paddy’s Day green.
We’re lucky to have met Clifford and his wife, Shirley, since moving out here. They are truly good, welcoming people, and we’re lucky to call them friends. They even offered to help us with our Valentine’s Day Special by taking guests out on a sleigh ride (video here).
Clifford’s brother, Wayne George, is also a noted artist and sells wonderful items at his store, Shag Rock Arts & Crafts, a quick ride from the cottages. You can see some of his lovely items for sale here.
And just in case a fancy art exhibit sounds too intimidating, believe me: Clifford is a salt-of-the earth guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously!
(not sure of the context one this one!)