The ridge of hills just south of Mortlach, Saskatchewan becomes a haze of purple every spring as the crocuses signal that spring has arrived. And their simplistic beauty has been captured by several artisans who have their work displayed at Crocus Ridge Gallery.
But that’s not all you’ll find being housed in the renovated old Anglican Church. You’ll find a peaceful surrounding of solitude music while you enjoy the many talents of Saskatchewan artisans at their finest. Crocus Ridge Gallery is host to over 80 artists, potters, sculptors, woodcarvers, silversmiths and more! We have also added a selection of quality antiques to further enhance your experience.
Tibetan Singing Bowls
These bowls have been collected from the Himalayan region. Traditionally, they are used by Tibetan monks for meditation. When the wooden striker, cloth covered striker, or heel of the hand is applied the sound vibration creates sacred space and is very effective if sounded at the beginning and the end of meditation to ground your energy. The sound may assist in tuning your energy in sound therapy. They may also be “sung” by rubbing the wooden stick around the outside rim of the bowl. You will notice that most bowls produce more than one and up to 5 tones. The tones will be felt at alternate places in the body as the sound does an “inner message”. Low tones will be generally be felt at the base charkas and the higher tones will move up the body. If you fill the bowl at different levels with water you may alter the sound and also see a physical manifestation of the sound vibration pattern in the water. These bowls are made from a “bell” metal and shaped by a hand beaten process. Each bowl was individually selected for tonal quality.
We also carry mala beads
Birchbark Bitings
Birchbark bitings were first used by Native Americans as patterns for other art forms such as porcupine quill designs on baskets and beading on coats and moccasins. The thin layer of bark could then be peeled away after the beading was completed. There are very few who still practice the art today and we are fortunate to represent one of those few. Garth Harrison is a teacher from Martensville whose work can be found around the globe. Each piece is unique in both the design itself and the piece of birch. It is important to note that no living tree is harmed by this art as Garth only uses bark from standing or fallen dead trees. Each piece is individually matted and framed.
The Shady Lady (Marilyn Forbes)
Fabric covered, decorative lampshades represent an old European tradition that is becoming popular again. Some show homes are using these elegant shades, as they bring warmth and beauty to décor.
A few years ago, when visiting an antique shop on Vancouver Island, Marilyn admired the beautiful hand-covered lampshades they had for sale. She loves to quilt and do handiwork, so she decided to pursue professional decorative lampshade techniques. With the help of a woman who teaches the art and some books she purchases, Marilyn made shades for her own antique lamps, then for friends, and now for antique shops.
So whether you want to re-cover an old frame or choose from a variety of unique new frames, the Shady Lady will create a beautiful heirloom to compliment any home.
Marilyn Forbes also makes these crocuses. She learned from Edna Stark of Mossbank.
Crocus Ridge Gallery currently has 8 potters with their pottery in the gallery.
Crocus Ridge Gallery also has a wide selection of jewelry.
We also carry candles, soaps and other bath products that come in a variety of smells. Our favorite is of course Saskatoon Berry.
We are lucky enough to have as many artists as we do.
We also carry clothing, hats, purses, books, stained glass, blown glass and fused glass. Hope to see you soon!
Subscribe to the Mortlach Saskatoonberry Festival newsletter, click here
