Untitled Document
Economuseum may be a relatively
new term within the travel lexicon, but the concept's popularity is definitely
picking up momentum as travellers seek alternatives that are educational, interactive
and closer to home. In an economuseum, artisans and craftspeople open their
studios to the public to provide first-hand experiences of traditional processes
through interpretive demonstrations, displays and retail sales of goods made
on site.
Part of a larger international network of similar initiatives, the Atlantic
Canada Economuseum Corporation develops and maintains diverse and innovative
destinations for inquisitive travellers. The vast networks of economuseums are
classified according to distinct themes such as jewellery-making, quilting,
wine-making, spinning and rug hooking. Each of the areas requires specialized
expertise, attention to traditional processes and the keen ability to interpret
this knowledge to the public. The economuseum program offers travellers a unique
combination of tradition, idea exchange, trade promotion and tourism.
| |
 |
| |
Creative
hands at work |
Atlantic Canada has long
been known for its ties to history and tradition when it comes to craftsmanship
and cultural tourism. Prior to the economuseum initiative, history and tradition
were (and still are) preserved through popular attractions such as Cape
Bretons' Fortress
of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Kings
Landing Historical Settlement near Fredericton,
and Orwell
Corner Historic Site on Prince
Edward Island. As an extension of this tourism sector, many artisans
and craftspeople in the Atlantic Provinces have graciously opened their doors
to visitors by achieving status as a designated economuseum.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nestled on the Northumberland shore along the Sunrise
Trail near Antigonish,
is Nova Scotia's quilt-making
economuseum Harbour
Quilt Company. A quilt-maker's dream, the craft studio features an extensive
selection of fabrics, quilt kits, resources and displays which highlight early
quilting techniques and hand-crafted heirlooms. The studio boasts a communal
quilting space for the sharing of ideas, demonstrations and workshop opportunities.
Nova Scotia's Lighthouse
Trail and south shore are known for their rugged shorelines, quaint
fishing villages and vibrant artistic communities. Inspired by the beauty of
coastal life and customs, many coastal towns burst at the seams with galleries,
shops and culturally-inspired events.
Mahone Bay
epitomizes community creativity through a wide range of galleries,
shops
and economuseums, which showcase the talents of local artisans and craftspeople.
World-renowned for their exquisitely-designed pewter keepsakes and gifts, Amos
Pewter is a pioneer within the experiential museum realm, having offered
interactive experiences in their workshop since 1974. Visitors can observe molten
pewter being cast into an array of designs, all of which are available for purchase
in the adjoining boutique.
Rug hooking traditions of the south shore are showcased at Spruce
Top Rug Hooking Studio and retail shop located on Mahone Bay's Main
Street. Boasting the largest selection of hooked rugs in the Maritimes, the
economuseum features an extensive selection of supplies and the opportunity
for visitors to create a rug masterpiece during their stay. Beginner workshops
in traditional fabric dying, rug hooking and rug designing are offered.
Other local independent galleries, including Trees
Gallery, Birdsall-Worthington
Pottery and The
Moorings Gallery, round out a creativity-filled excursion to the seaside
town.
 |
| Mahone
Bay, Nova Scotia |
The vibrant community of
Chester is
well-known for its seafaring traditions but is a virtual treasure-seeker's paradise
with its specialty shops,
artist-run studios and galleries.
Locally-made crafts and art can be found at independent retailers such as The
Village Emporium, Chez
Glass Lass and Light
My Fire Studio.
Experiential opportunities are available at Artifacts
in Clay economuseum where functional stoneware pottery is designed and
produced. Unique bowl and ornament designs inspired by local sea shells, sea
stars, urchins, sand dollars and pine cones are handcrafted using casts and
traditional press molds. Visitors can observe the artisan at work and then peruse
the boutique for a one-of-a-kind treasure.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Alive with Acadian traditions, New
Brunswick's Acadian
Coastal Drive is home to hospitable seaside villages, glorious beaches
and an array of unique and exciting cultural experiences. History and tradition
are kept alive through a variety of interpretive attractions, including Le
Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche
and the Village
Historique Acadien in Caraquet.
 |
| Spinning
yarn on a traditional wheel |
|
Soap economuseum, Savonnerie
Olivier, located near the village of Sainte-Anne-de-Kent,
provides visitors with a rare look into traditional soap-making processes and
techniques. The exuberant hosts guide visitors through the history of soap-making
with live demonstrations, a documentation center and a heritage collection of
soaps and other historical artifacts. An extensive collection of soaps and assorted
skin-care products are on display in the soapery's boutique.
Finding inspiration from marine life and coastal living, the bijouterie artisans
at Hudson
Oddities economuseum near Richibucto
create unique treasures out of local sea-worn glass. Authentication of found
pieces, interactive displays, hands-on workshops and a retail boutique filled
with hand-crafted original jewellery are featured.
Located along the scenic and pastoral River
Valley Scenic Drive is the Barn
in Bloomfield woodworking economuseum. Within close proximity to the
picturesque agricultural communities of Bloomfield,
Hampton
and Sussex,
the studio features intricately-crafted shaker style boxes, kitchen serving
boards, baskets, assorted décor and accessories. A converted barn serves
as a workshop and showroom, where interactive displays, historical and current
resources, workshops and guided tours occur.
London-Wul
Farms, in the community of Lakeburn near Dieppe
and Moncton, is a fiber
arts and spinning economuseum that uses raw furs from the farm's resident sheep,
goats and angora rabbits. The working studio provides visitors with the chance
to see the process of fiber preparation from its raw form to a completed, dyed
yarn. The studio features a spinning museum, a natural dye garden and a collection
of one-of-a-kind woollen pieces and gifts available for purchase in their on-site
shop.
Also located along the Fundy
Coastal Drive near the town of Memramcook
is pomiculture economuseum, Ferme
Bourgeois Farms. The family-run operation, established in 1932, features
expansive apple orchards from which their popular fruit wines, ciders and sparkling
juices are made. During the fall harvest, interpretive tours of the orchards
by hayride are offered but visitors are welcome to stroll the property at their
leisure. The farm encourages visitors to savour the flavours of the valley with
a visit to their wine cellar where complimentary tastings and retail sales of
their products are available.
| |
 |
| |
Apples
harvested for wine and cider making |
NEWFOUNDLAND
Operating as an economuseum since 1992, The
Dark Tickle Company offers unique wild berry experiences amongst the
natural bogs of Griquet,
Newfoundland, home to
the heritage Viking settlement of L'anse
aux Meadows National Historic Site. The first of its kind in the province,
the agri-food economuseum features a system of interpretive trails, an exhibition
area and a boutique showcasing berry jams, sauces, and chocolates. Genuine Newfoundland
hospitality and flavours await.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Representing goldsmith traditions is the Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island economuseum,
Walker
Studios. This multi-artisan representative is located in the heart of
the city across from the Confederation
Centre of the Arts, and showcases island-made visual arts and a historical
display of replica jewellery from 3000 B.C. to the present. Interpretive demonstrations
of ancient goldsmith techniques such as sand casting and engraving are provided
by resident artisan, Jeannette Walker. Inspired by the beauty and romance of
island life, the retail gallery features keepsakes and art which will long evoke
lasting memories in the minds and hearts of visitors.
If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Canada's
Top 10 Museums
• Creative
Nunavut
Canada
