Last weekend, Michelle Potter and Fiona Sant achieved their dream of opening a shop in Ottawa that sells the creations of local and independent artists, designers and crafters. Previously, they had been selling their wares at local festivals, and they now have a permanent venue in A Curious Shop, located at 159 York Street in the Byward Market.
Michelle Potter and Fiona Sant are all smiles at their new shop at 159 York St. in the market.
I had the pleasure of visiting the new store, which offers an eclectic mix of cool jewelry, clothing for men and women, home décor, soaps, and other items made by nearly 40 Ottawa-area artists. In terms of what the store carries: “We love independent hand-made art,” said Fiona. “We take a special liking to things made out of re-purposed materials. Everything is unique and hand-crafted with love.”
A Curious Shop has opened just on the heels of the first a Curious craft show this Sunday, October 14 from 11:00 -4:00 p.m. at the Jack Purcell Community Centre. It will also feature a ‘Crafters’ Swap’, where everyone is welcome to bring any crafting tools or supplies that are no longer needed and leave them at the table to swap for free! Michelle and Fiona held a similar event at Raw Sugar this past April.
An inside view of the store, with Jacket & fascinator by Bombshell Revival; Lace cowl/headband by idi Designs; and jewellery on table by Lola Murray.
“There are a lot of amazingly talented people in this city – some of them are starting out and some of them are veterans,” said Michelle. “We think that all of them should be getting together to share information and encourage the flourishing of independent art in this city, because there’s such an incredible eclectic mix of it here.”
Fiona and Michelle met on the craft fair circuit prior to joining forces. Fiona is originally from Malta and traveled the world before settling down with her husband from Ottawa. She comes from a long line of crafty people and has her own line of products called idi Designs. She has also picked up the skill of henna body painting through her travels in India.
Michelle had experimented with all kinds of different art and craft mediums before settling on textiles. “I started collecting fabrics, buttons and zippers, and I ended up with a closet full of the stuff. I thought I’d better make something with it to justify continuing my collection.” That’s where the ideas for her creations for My Jacket Pocket came from.
Screen printed T-shirt by Winged Beast Outfitters and Lacey boa by My Jacket Pocket
As for the future, Fiona and Michelle will launch an online store with partner Bloom Artisan in November 2012. They will also feature different local visual artists and photographers on the walls of their shop each month and will sell cds of local musicians.
To keep up-to-date on Curious and associated events, check them out at www.acuriouscollective.com
