Featured Artist: Meg Gallup

 

We have had the work of a handful of local artists within our shop, but nothing has proven to sell as well as the hand crafted, one-of-a-kind mugs made by Pemberton's own, Meg Gallup. If you're looking for a wonderful holiday gift or stocking stuffer, pop in and check out the few remaining mugs we have left.

We were lucky enough to be able to check out Meg in her element this past Summer. She was able to show us the entire process from kneading to firing. It was amazing. Thanks Meg!

A bit about Meg:

Meg flourished in the University of Calgary Ceramics Dept. while acquiring her Bachelor of Arts degree. She moved to BC and began a career in pottery, which she pursed in Vancouver, Whistler and Pemberton. Focusing on production of functional high-fired stoneware as well as one of a kind art pieces, she has made pottery that is enjoyed in homes throughout Canada and the United States.

This artist's creations are now fired in a gas kiln at her studio in Pemberton using glazes she personally developed. The love for hand thrown wheelwork and revealing the unique qualities that ''reduction'' fired glazes create has motivated Meg's involvement in clay for the last twenty years. Bringing art and the medium's natural beauty to household objects is a continual theme in this potter's work.

La Pastora

Some of the finest coffee on earth is grown in Costa Rica. While traveling there last month, we were fortunate to visit a coffee farm just outside the town of San Marcos De Tarrazu. Countless family run coffee farms cling to the steep hills surrounding this bustling coffee town.

 

The afternoon mist rolls in. Banana trees are planted between the coffee plants to give the soil nutrients and provide shade for the coffee.

  Minor Picado is a third generation coffee farmer. He is taking his farm to the next level by currently constructing his own micro-processing facility. This will enable him to process and export his unique lots of coffee directly to quality coffee roasters. It ensures that his signature "La Pastora" coffee will not be blended with lesser quality coffee. The niche market of "direct trade" relationships motivates the farmer to produce the highest quality coffee. The price they receive directly relates to the quality of their coffee.

 

The first few coffee cherries are starting to ripen.

 

 The micro-processing facility under construction.

  

Three generations and certificates decorate the walls of the family home.

This coffee was roasted in a pan on their stove, it was delicious!