MEET THE MAKERS & CURATORS

Charlottetown is a magnet for creative minds from all over the world. Whether it’s the fresh air, the relaxed pace of life, or something in the water, PEI is abundant with innovative thinkers, skilled artists, and talented curators that draw inspiration from the Island. Spend some time visiting the Island’s makers, creators and curators—including the four featured below—and you’ll get closer to understanding just how magical this little Island and the people that live here really are.

SWENN - Having grown up by the sea in her native town of Bretagne, France, Kristell Geffroy has always been drawn to coastal living. PEI's unique combination of natural beauty, strong sense of community, and a growing arts and business scene were all reasons to expand her fashion business, Swenn, from Quebec to the East Coast. Geffroy’s desire to share her passion for fashion and sustainability while embracing Island life were a perfect fit for her growing business. In fact, the name itself was inspired by the four cardinal points, representing the compass that guides sailors on the sea. The common theme among the products at Swenn is a focus on natural fibers, quality and durability, timeless style, and sustainability. In addition to her own clothing line, she also features a carefully curated selection of young Canadian designers in her store, which is now open within the Confederation Court Mall.

“Visitors to Swenn can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where they can discover and appreciate the quality and local design of our clothing line. Our garments are inspired by nature and travel, and designed to be both modern and timeless with a casual elegant style.” – Kristell

Geffroy

134 Kent St | @swennclothing | www.swenn.ca

DETAILS FINE ART GALLERY - Details Gallery originated as an antique and interior decorating business and evolved over 30 years into the beautiful art space that it is today. Located on the buzzing pedestrian street of Victoria Row, the gallery is ideally situated in the hub of the arts and culture scene in Charlottetown. Many people are drawn to the galleries, cafés, history, theatre and ambience felt there throughout the year. The gallery’s owner & curator, Arlene Rice, especially loves seeing what her current and long-standing artists create year after year, and how they express and interpret new themes and ideas. She also enjoys discovering and profiling artists who bring new ideas and perspectives to the art world on PEI.

“As a curator, my interest continues to be motivated by the everchanging dynamics of the art world. It’s a continuous learning curve. My aim is to provide a unique, diverse selection of art work for everyone to enjoy in their homes and businesses.” –

Arlene Rice

166 Richmond St | @detailsfineart | www.detailsfineart.com

OH HEY PEI - For local sisters Kim Roach & Rachel Peters, it’s always been a dream to work together. With complementary areas of talent that flow well together, Rachel as a photographer and Kim as an illustrator/designer, it felt like a no brainer when they decided to open their shop, Oh Hey PEI, in August 2019. Located in the historic space of Founders’ Food Hall & Market on the Charlottetown waterfront, walking into Oh Hey is like a breath of fresh air. Kim & Rachel are constantly inspired by the talent on the Island—from the musicians and the chefs, to the small business owners supporting the community—and the natural beauty of the ocean and green spaces that surrounds them.

“Curating local product with makers and artisans was our dream from the very beginning. Everything in our shop is something that we’d buy and use, so it’s like building and curating products we think others would love in their life. We think that ‘aha moment’ for each piece comes for us when we get the first full visual of what that product looks like, then the fireworks start about the packaging and branding.” –

Kim Roach & Rachel Peters

6 Prince St | @ohheypei | www.ohheypei.com

Northern Watter’s Knitwear & Tartan Shop is home to 100% British wool sweaters and accessories that are knit on antique Swiss knitting looms in their shop on Victoria Row. Their sweaters are often seen in major motion pictures set in the late nineteenth or early twentieth centuries, so their level of craftsmanship is born of that era and their sweaters are made to last a lifetime.

MI'KMAQ PRINTING & DESIGN - This Charlottetownbased social enterprise was inspired by the desire to recognize the amazing design talents of the Mi’kmaq and Indigenous community of Epekwitk. Mi’kmaq Printing & Design has created a safe and supportive environment for Indigenous People to discover and develop their skills. It was brought to life with the goal of sharing creativity, building relationships, and offering an authentic Indigenous experience for customers. People are invited to their apparel shop to purchase and learn about Mi’kmaq and Indigenous cultures. In fact, their first design was KWE’ which means “Hello” in Mi’kmaq. It’s a simple gesture & a way to greet one another that provides an opportunity for conversation and learning for all.

"All of our designs tell a story. The designer often has a deep connection with their design and it’s amazing to watch the process from beginning to end. We also highly value having Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our space to share and teach. We then share that knowledge with the greater community and our customers. This is a way of reclaiming our cultures and makes us proud of the products we create.” –

Sales & Production Lead

Yvette McKenna,

101 Prince St | @mikmaqprinting | www.mikmaqprinting.com