The Muskoka Moose Gallery has begun its 10^th season of business in Port Carling, and to herald in this pivotal year the owners Vicki Sharp & John Klassen have shifted gears and relocated the gallery to a smaller and more intimate setting.  It is now housed in one of the original historical (1910) cottages of the village that is just across the street from the Port Carling Post Office at 83 Joseph Street. The ‘Grand Re-Opening’ day for the new gallery will be Saturday June 21, 2003.

  The location is not the only aspect of the business that has changed. The focus of the gallery will be on the jewellery and paintings of owner/artist Vicki Sharp. Her jewellery is done using a technique called “off-loom-bead-weaving”. It uses special beading needles and thread to sew beads together using different ‘stitches’ to achieve jewellery that is colourful, textural and classic in design. Also incorporated into many designs is sterling silver wire and a new addition this year will be hand made lamp-worked glass beads and crocheted silver wire.  This summer Vicki will be teaching off-loom-bead-weaving at The Haliburton School for the Arts (July 21-25) as well as offering beading workshops at the new gallery location. 

  Some of Vicki’s paintings are done using an ancient painting technique called ‘Encaustic’ which uses pigment suspended in hot wax. Included in the gallery will also be pastel and graphite drawings and acrylic paintings.  Her subject matter ranges from exploring the Muskoka landscape to the figurative.

  Included in the product mix will be a full range of hand-turned wood bowls & vases by Don Stinson and Michael Sbrocca. Complementing the bowls will be serving pieces by Acme Anvil, wood accessories by Quintessential Canada, and wrought iron fixtures by Kootenay Forge.    

  Vicki & John both look forward to the next 10 years of continuing to bring the finest in contemporary Canadian craft and art to Muskoka.

  Contact: Vicki Sharp or John Klassen at the gallery: (705) 765-7156, or at the studio: tel/fax (705) 764-1700. Email: vsharp@muskoka.com. Mailing address is R.R. #1, Scarcliffe Rd., Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0.