A beautiful partnership...

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

As artists, we are honoured to be a part of the re-creation of the historic Algonquin Resort and we really love the fact that General Manager Tim Ostrem and his team have - from day one - been focused on local talent.

Jantje's recycled hotel cutlery and driftwood sculptures sit as table centerpieces in Braxton's Restaurant.

Photo: Shannon May Photography

Photo: Wilma Blokhuis

Some of the cutlery/driftwood sculptures are available for sale in The Algonquin gift shop.

Jantje's large driftwood sculpture adorns the table in the hotel's lobby.

Photo: Shannon May Photography

Photo: Shannon May Photography

Larissa Blokhuis' blown glass trees are beautifully displayed behind the bar at Braxton's.

Photo: Shannon May Photography

 

Jantje's stone sculptures are displayed in a portable bar and on tables during special events.

 

 

Photo: NBCC

Geoff's line painting of the hotel (used during opening celebrations on March 19th) hangs proudly in the Algonquin's fitness centre.

We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with The Algonquin Resort...

 

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The Algonquin is one of Canada’s most luxurious and legendary resorts. Rich in history, meticulously restored to its original splendour, and complete with every modern comfort you could desire, this year-round destination truly offers the best of the past with contemporary amenities.

 

For a trip of a lifetime, visit The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, NB

 http://algonquinresort.com

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Some of the photographs in this post were taken by Shannon May. 

Please visit Shannon's website at: http://www.shannonmayphotography.com/

Here comes the bride (and groom)...

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

Earlier this year, Jantje was commissioned by the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews New Brunswick, to create a number of sculptures using Bay of Fundy driftwood and recycled cutlery from the historic hotel which has undergone a magnificent transformation.

Bending metal, one tine at a time...

Just this fall, she discovered that her sculptures would be adorning the tables at Braxton's Restaurant and Bar, located in the hotel, and was asked to create 25 more...

A small taste of what's to come...

No sooner had Jantje completed her latest commission when the hotel's manager contacted her with a unique and wonderful request -- to create a wedding themed sculpture as part of a Random Act of Kindness for a husband and wife to be.

Photo: Tim Ostrem

The Random Act of Kindness was a biggie. During their wedding rehearsal at the Algonquin Resort Clubhouse, Peter MacLeod and now wife, Peggy Tucker, were given some terrific news.

Algonquin Resort General Manager Tim Ostrem presented the couple with the news that he had shredded their wedding bill.

Here's a video of the lucky couple as they found out their wedding was "on the house".

What a wonderful, heartwarming gesture...




You can read more about this story at the Algonquin Resort's blog: http://algonquinresort.com/stories-by-the-sea/a-random-act-of-kindness-peter-peggy/

See this story on CanadaAM:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/new-brunswick-hotel-offers-newlyweds-extra-special-wedding-present-1.1570042

Visiting The Netherlands, Public Art

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

We are on a trip to Holland to visit family, explore small towns and visit museums and art galleries.

We've been here for just over a week, and now (as with previous visits to this country), we are struck by the absolute abundance of public art.

Whether walking through a community, driving on a roadway or passing through a park, art - mostly sculpture - can be found at almost every turn. Some pieces are controversial, others are widely loved. But whatever your opinion, there's no denying that in The Netherlands, art is not an afterthought, it is simply part of everyday life.

Below is a compilation of snapshots of public art we've seen while traveling in and around Harderwijk, Zeewolde, Swifterbant and Biddinghuizen.

More to come...

Pass the fork, please...

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

Jantje is known for her ability to create art from found objects. One of her favorite things to do is to bend and mold figures out of discarded silverware. She then attaches these "dancers, musicians and athletes" to driftwood she finds at the beach.

Lately, she has been working hard on a big and exciting commission for the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews - using silverware from the hotel that is being recycled. Her hands are getting mighty sore (and strong)!

Here's a peek...

Just us together

This summer, Jantje was part of the National Sculpture Competition at Kingsbrae Garden. Here are some photos of her stone sculpture which is currently on display.

Talking with Cyril Lunney from ATV Morning Live, about her work.

More Stone Spirit Sculptures from Jantje

Wow - We have had an incredibly mild fall here in St. Andrews so far and we have all been enjoying the sunshine and warmth!

Jantje has been busy building new "Stone Spirit" sculptures. These latest creations will be added to our Etsy store soon. These sculptures are made from rocks, stones and pebbles formed by the ebb and tide of the Bay of Fundy.

Here are some photos of Jantje hard at work in our downtown studio. That's Jackie Guthrie's colorful painting in the background.
 

Meanwhile, Jantje's sculpture "Just Resting" has been sold to a collector from New Zealand...


Just Resting


And, her "Friendship" sculpture was featured on the homepage of Etsy!
 

Friendship

To see more Stone Spirits, visit our Etsy store and stay tuned for the newest creations!

~Andrea

Stone Spirits by Jantje

Jantje has been hard at work creating a number of new sculptural pieces. Inspired by the ocean, she (along with Jannique) has been collecting rocks from the water's edge. The sculptures range in size from 2" tall 6" tall and she has plans to make larger installation works as well. We're all looking forward to seeing what develops.

Jantje calls these new pieces, "Stone Spirits" and they will soon be appearing on our Etsy site.

For now, here's a little teaser...

~Andrea