On January 6, Cafe 349 opened its doors with the first exhibition of 2025 Leaving Marks III, featuring well known textile artists Meredith Filshie, Nancy Garrard, Wendo Van Essen and Karen Samanski.
The show is a dynamic collection of fibre art that lights up the room with a wide array of colours, textures and diverse techniques. Last day to catch the show was 1 March.
Each artist has a unique style. Karen draws inspiration from the results of indigo and walnut dying, Nancy is fascinated by bark and elements from nature. Many of Wendo’s pieces draw on her successful career as an animator. Small beads and interesting fabrics and threads inspire Meredith’s work. This show also ‘marks’ the formal launch of Gallery 349, a new business venture managed by printmaker and painter Cheryl Beillard and Linda Roy, fabric artist. To help with the change, owner Ruth Hahn updated the walls, the lighting system and installed a state-of-the art hanging system.
Ruth’s contribution to the arts in the Pontiac and beyond needs to be acknowledged! She has been a strong supporter of fine arts and crafts in the region since she took over the Cafe in 2002 by providing space on the walls for members of artPontiac. In doing so, her customers have enjoyed the work of dozens of emerging and professional artists.
In March, Gallery 349 will host the work of Cecilia Chan, with a series of colourful oil paintings entitled ‘Nocturne’, along with a selection of other pieces.
New and more art and crafts in the Gift Shop As part of this new venture, the shop area new shelving and display stands have been added to accommodate more artists and variety. In addition to Cheryl’s small prints, coloured drawings and gift cards and Linda’s tote bags, current artists include long standing contributors Clement Hoeck (fine pottery), and Jeanne McTiernan (stained glass and mosaics), and new artists Elisabeth Baechlin (mini paintings, earrings), Joyce Buck (lively floral art on canvas), Katharine Fletcher (mixed media, hand printed notebooks) and Frances Shea (garden/collection art). And more!
Heads up artists everywhere – the Gallery and shop are always looking for new artists to promote. The Cafe charges a modest commission on sales and sales are brisk, as is the traffic for the Cafe.
If you are interested in having an exhibition, participating in one of our group shows, or placing work for sale in the Shop at Cafe 349, please contact [email protected].