Christmas in Carp, Ontario: Art in restaurants, a church and a vineyard

“I love to support local artists and artisans. It’s my way of giving back to my community.”

Mary Teasdale’s labradorite, citronite and pearl necklace at Moon Stones. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.

So says Mary Teasdale, owner of Moon Stones Gallery and Marketplace in Carp, Ontario. She becomes seriously animated while showing me everything from beautiful hanging balls made of exquisitely folded birch bark to bird-feeding stations wrought from repurposed metal and glass. She also stocks bath bombs and perhaps a gazillion other temptations.

Teasdale’s by no means alone. In Carp, a village that’s just shy of 40 kilometres west of Parliament Hill, you’ll find local makers’ art for sale in restaurants, shops and even at KIN Vineyards.

And come December, Christmas fairs and artists’ events are happening.

Where? Read on. Although the events are seasonal, Teasdale and her fellow Carp entrepreneurs always feature local artists’ work. So grab some friends and spend a fine day exploring, finding perfect gifts that support local entrepreneurs and makers.

Moon Stones Gallery and Marketplace

As mentioned, Teasdale is the owner of Moon Stones, a shop she obviously thoroughly loves operating. “Oh, forgive the disarray,” she says. But to me? I didn’t see anything other than an enticing array of local artists’ and artisans’ creativity.

Sure, there are some things from abroad (just take a look at the leather-bound journals and luggage, all hand-tooled and dyed by an obviously talented family in India). However, most things are made by very local Ontario and Quebec artists.

Moonstones bird feeder by Ottawa artist Yvan Coté. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.

Being a bird lover, I was particularly captivated by the glass and metal hanging bird-feeding stations, created from former trays, bottles and you name it. There are also some wooden birdhouses and feeders.

Are new mums and babies on your Christmas list? Drop in to find infant wear and baby toys.

Teasdale herself is a jeweller. “My favourite stone is labradorite,” she explains. “because of its shimmering colours when polished.” And, after seeing her stunning necklace made from it, citrine, and pearls, I can see why.

If you go: 416 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp.

Juke Joint Soul Kitchen

Juke Joint Soul Kitchen photographer Ginny Fobert.

Winter’s just the time for southern soul food, don’t you think? Come on in to the Juke Joint Soul Kitchen for some inspired Creole and Cajun spice. This month, you can also take in the equally inspired photography of Ginny Fobert.

The Juke Joint always displays art on its walls. This mini-gallery offers an opportunity to sit and experience an artist’s vision while you enjoy your snack, hot drink, or meal.

If you go: 3740 Carp Road, Carp.

$100 & Under Christmas art show and sale

With more than 20 artists showing and selling their original art, and with every single item costing $100 or less, the $100 & Under show is an event not to miss for unique Christmas gifts. You’ll find everything from Judy Barr’s poured jewellery and Meredith Luce’s watercolours to Stephanie Huckabone’s colourful acrylics and Michael Peterson’s basketry.

$100 & Under Show & Sale: Poured jewellery by Judy Trofin-Barr.

This is the annual Christmas event featuring members of the West Carleton Arts Society, an organization that holds monthly meetings at the church every third Wednesday of the month. Called “ARTiculate,” these meetings feature an artist talking about her or his work, or some other topic that is of keen interest to emerging and professional artists alike. Check out WCAS’ website; visitors are welcome attend one of our meetings.

Katharine’s ceramic plate artwork for $100 & Under. Spirit Horses: Kick up Your Heels. Original art and photo by Katharine Fletcher.

And yes, full disclosure: I’m an artist and member of WCAS who will warmly welcome you to the $100 & Under sale or our monthly meetings!

If you go: St. Paul’s United Church, 3760 Carp Road, Carp.
Dates: December 6, 2 pm to 8 pm; December 7, 9 am to 4 pm; December 8, 11 am to 4 pm.

Carp Farmers’ Christmas Market

The Carp Fair is an Ottawa Valley tradition—as is its annual Carp Farmers’ Christmas Market, where you can grab delectable baked goods and other treats, and chat with artisans and artists about their work.

Remember, just next door at St. Paul’s Church, you can visit the WCAS artists on December 6 and 7.

If you go: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road, Carp.
Dates: December 6, 3pm to 8pm; December 7, 8am to 2pm.

Carp Public Library

Susan Clément-Beveridge is showing her works at the Carp branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Photo Carp Library /Susan Clément-Beveridge.

Libraries do so much more than “just” allow us to borrow books these days. And the Carp branch of the Ottawa Public Library is another village venue that displays local artists’ work, year-round—and all of it is for sale. So include this spot in your artsy exploration of the village. Right now, view Susan Clément-Beveridge’s Ground Cover series, inspired by pebbles, leaves and other natural finds.

If you go: 3911 Carp Road, Carp.

Alice’s Village Café

Alice’s Village Café is a great place to start off your day. Have a cozy seat while enjoying homemade-style meals, hot coffee and delicious herbal teas—and take in more art. Alice’s walls always feature local artists’ artworks. Again, all are for sale.

If you go: 3773 Carp Road, Carp.

The Hive

The Hive awaits visitors in Carp. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.

Pat Burnett and Jess Vaillaincourt are two of the entrepreneurs who keep The Hive cooperative humming. Pat’s downstairs shop features several local enterpreneurs’ work; her artists, clothing designers and others hail from Brockville, Arnprior, Mississippi Mills, Almonte and elsewhere.

The Hive sells beautiful baby “burp cloths” and blanket sets. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.

Since I love lavender’s soothing nature, I was attracted to Lavender Lane’s Wrap Arounds—lavender-filled “scarf-necksoothers” that can be warmed in the microwave and popped about one’s neck. You’ll also find cozy baby blankets and burp cloths, as well as Pokoloko’s alpaca laundry dryer balls, which eliminate the need for chemical-infused dryer sheets.

The Hive: Jess Vaillaincourt’s Bee You Creative Styles & Expressions. Photo by Katharine Fletcher

Upstairs is Vaillaincourt’s Bee You Creative Styles & Expressions, an amazing second-hand clothing shop. I love her funky whimsy. She has a “little black dress closet” and displays of books, collectibles, shoes, jewellery and more. Ask her to show you art that’s on consignment from local artists.

If you go: 3775 Carp Road, Carp.

The Carp Cabin

Susan Atack’s paintings and many Canadiana cabin-inspired finds await you at The Carp Cabin. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.

I definitely would have missed The Carp Cabin if The Hive’s friendly Pat Burnett hadn’t suggested I visit and tell you about it! It was after dark when I walked down Falldown Lane to pop in—and wow, what a fun place. I felt I was in Muskoka cottage country, with a dash of Banff thrown in for good measure. Owner Diana Fuller (also owner of The Hive) welcomed me warmly while she and a friend were adjusting Christmas lighting outside.

The Carp Cabin. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.

From works by artists such as Darlene Campbell and Susan Atack, to pieces by Dunrobin clothes designer Megan Duffield and locally produced maple syrup, you’ll find lots here to catch your attention.

If you go: 107 Falldown Lane, Carp.

KIN Vineyards

KIN Vineyards’ current exhibition features works by Cheryl Poulin.

You could complete your tour by popping into KIN Vineyards for a fine glass of red, white, or rosé. Sample a local charcuterie platter and view the art displayed. The current exhibition features WCAS artist Cheryl Poulin’s work.

If you go: 2225 Craig’s Side Road, Carp.

Helpful websites

• Village of Carp
• History of Carp

Author’s bio

Katharine Fletcher is a freelance writer, visual artist and author of historical guides such as Capital Rambles: Exploring the National Capital Region. She invites you to like her artist page on Facebook and also invites you to come visit her at Carp’s $100 & Under Show and Sale!