Group Profile
A Building with Heart
Recent changes to the 817 - 823 Block of Queen St. E. (Previously Yun’s Restaurant) find arts groups, individuals and business owners with new facilities, opportunities and inspiration. Due largely to the efforts of Matt Ceolin and Al Bjornaa this space has been renovated to now suit a number of different needs for many artists of the community.
whitespace gallery (817 Queen St. E.) This airy and interesting new gallery features the work of local artists in a way that is accessible and informal. A nice change of place/pace from traditional institutional gallery spaces. With the goal of becoming an artist-run centre, members of the public will find each artist gallery-sitting for their own shows. This provides a great opportunity to learn more about art-making processes and engage in meaningful dialogue about the works on exhibit. Take note of the wood floors salvaged from the old YMCA gymnasium. Find whitespace gallery open most weekends during daytime hours and on occasional weekdays (exhibit hours are left to the discretion and availability of the exhibiting artists).
uppercase bookstore (821 Queen St. E.) This independently owned bookstore has been in Sault Ste. Marie for 2 years (since June 2005) under the ownership and operation of Dave MacMillan. uppercase bookstore has recently re-located to the arts cluster at 821 Queen and takes on a fresh look, opening itself up to new book-enthusiasts and a very accessible venue for book-readings/signings. Boasting the Sault’s largest magazine selection and a wide array of Canadian and Arts/Music/Culture books among many other popular and obscure titles, uppercase offers the perfect book for your life that you might not have even known you needed. Check out their website at www.uppercasebookstore.com or call at 705-254-5775. Arcadia Coffee House (823 Queen St. E.) A beautifully renovated space, the Arc is the social sculpture re-incarnation work of Matt Ceolin. With its stunning exposed brick wall, hand crafted bar and detailing, wood plank flooring and bright street-front window, this space carries with it an atmosphere of community building and a light flavor reminiscent of the late Fireball Café. The perfect venue for live musical performances (hosted by eargasm records) and book readings (hosted by uppercase bookstore) this coffee house goes above and beyond the call of duty for serving the public. Oh, and did I mention they serve great coffee and tea?
eargasm records (823 Queen St. E.) Let the warm atmosphere of the Arc pull you deep into the building, as eargasm records is just a stone’s throw away from the coffee bar. Located at the back of the Arc Coffee House, eargasm provides you with many treats for your ears and your record collections. With a HUGE selection of hard-to-find items as well as popular music choices, owner Al Bjornaa succeeds in stirring up some exciting and eclectic musical finds. A strong supporter of local music, Al works closely with musicians (both local and touring) to offer them an encouraging performance venue as well as a location through which to sell their cds. If you have an addiction to music as many of us do, you can be sure to find your fix at eargasm. Check out eargasm records on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/eargasmatron for details on upcoming performances.
Sault Potters Guild ~ Coming Soon!!! (823 Queen St. E.) Soon to be located in the rear workshop space of this artsy complex, the Sault Potters Guild have been recently awarded a $10,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help cover the costs of new equipment. Each member of the Sault Potters Guild will have a private and secure space to store their materials and the public will be encouraged to attend public exhibitions and classes as well as children’s classes. They hope to have the space up and running by the Fall and we wish them the best of luck in their new home!
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