THUNDER BAY -- Canvas & Clay is a new gift shop that promotes local artists and encourages others to find their own creativity.
Jen Davidson found solace and inspiration through art during the pandemic and wanted to share that experience.
Canvas & Clay works directly with local makers and artists. Customers will find unique items and may even have a chance to speak with the creator at the shop.
Davidson wanted to use her storefront as a way of bringing artists and enthusiasts together.
“When I moved to Thunder Bay that was one of my goals - to build a community,” Davidson said.
“I wanted to work with different people and jointly run a storefront where we could all sell our handmade goods.”
Since opening in November, they’ve had a theme for each month. January was dedicated to succulent plants and February is themed for pets, with five per cent of proceeds being donated to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society.
“This month we have a selection of pet-themed artwork and crafts,” Davidson said.
“We've found that doing a new theme every month forces us to be creative, and is a lot of fun too.”
Patrons are encouraged to interact with artists and sign up for workshops.
Since the theme of the store changes each month, there is always something new to see and crafty techniques to learn.
“We all take turns working the storefront,” Davidson said. “That means you get to talk directly with the artist and find out more about them and their personal inspiration.
“A lot of the artists also run workshops out of the Maker Space behind the store. In March we'll be running seven workshops.”
Folks interested in signing up for a workshop can check online for the schedule. From macrame to miniature painting or fuse beadwork to crochet, there’s something for everyone.
Davidson said people of all ages have attended workshops – their most recent one was for fuse beadwork – and the feedback has been great.
“We had 10 people and used every chair in the building,” Davidson added. “We had some adults and some little guys.
“There was a six-year-old there and some teenagers too. It was a lot of fun."
Local artists who would like to get involved at Canvas and Clay should message Davidson through Facebook page or this website.