Claudia's ART at Mad Coffee Cafe

 

Madawaska Coffee started by Sarah Wills & Neil Wright, two of our staff that like many, connected through our river world. Neil was Sarah's canoe instructor, they fell in love and settled roots together in Barry's Bay. Missing the espresso coffee from the city, they gave stove-top bean roasting a try. So delicious, it spurred the idea of starting their own roastery. Now ten years later, Madawaska Coffee is a staple in the Valley, and they’ve opened two Mad Coffee Café’s:  Barry’s Bay and Pembroke.

Beth Kennedy (MKC canoe instructor & graphic designer), and Anya Gansterer (art curator and former MKC office staff) spear-headed the idea of showcasing local artisans on a bi-monthly rotation in both Mad Coffee Café’s.  For this summer, they asked me to join and exhibit my watercolours. Katrina my daughter, being a graphic designer living in Revelstoke, BC got some collection ideas from her art friends. She set me up with some amazing creations. And designed me a logo! It's up until June 20th, then moving into the MKC River shop. Come take a peak. 

 

 

Claudia's ART is for sale at Madawaska Coffee, Barry's Bay 

April 26-June 20th! 

I drove to Haliburton last Friday to pick up two puzzle-styles at Occurrence Puzzles. I got a tour on how they are made, and already started this one, called Dancing Kayaks.   High quality pieces, all original shapes and so much fun to create with my vibrant colours.      Thank you, Michael and Brigitte!

Claudia's ART, now available on pillows; the kayaks are on canvas fabric, and the wildflowers on a rough linen...so proud!

Two notebooks, with an inspiring quote inside each.     Stickers, too! 

Still to come are custom Buffs, Greeting Cards and a 16month Calendar...all available at Mad Coffee in addition to my framed artwork.  Big step for me today!

 

The iconic view down to the river when you arrive at Madawaska Kanu Centre, aka MKC.  It's a steep hill, that leads down to this incredible section of whitewater along the middle Mad, or Bells Rapids as its called locally.  My parents chose to build their dream, a paddling school on this Class III rapid now called Chalet. Since that day in 1969, when we walked through the thick brush, my mother at the top of the rapid, my dad from Swimmers Rock up this steep hill, across the then gravel road to mark the future site of MKC, thousands of folks have paddled here. They have played its warm waters, danced from eddy to eddy, surfed its waves, and hydraulics and felt accomplished for having paddled its currents.  

We will be celebrating 50 years of introducing people to the river world - in kayak, canoe or raft over the 2022 September Long Weekend.  This painting commemorates this milestone. 

 

the happiness of a sunflower

 

Sunflower meanings include happiness, optimism, honesty, longevity, peace, admiration, and devotion. The sunflower possibly surpasses all others in terms of its universal power to bring joy to people. With a round face and bright yellow petals resembling rays of sunshine, the sunflower has important cultural and spiritual significance to people around the world. 

 January 2022, and I've set myself up in Katrina's former bedroom to paint when I feel like it. I actually need to produce some work, as my art will be on display at Madawaska Coffee in Barry's Bay this coming April to June, 2022. Here's a sneak preview of what you may find on the wall, on cards, on a calendar, and even in a memory card game!  

Sitting silent amongst the trees

 I was inspired to paint this series of trees, for my girlfriends 60th.  She walks every morning with her walking buddies in Durham forest.  This I have been able to enjoy with her on a few occasions.  This series was painted on site at Nakkertok, our ski centre.  Love the calm and rejuvenation the trees bring me.  

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