Sad News
The world is a little less interesting this week… Last weekend, Elva (Stephens) Bowes passed away at the age of 91. I had the privilege of meeting her in late 2009 and we spent the afternoon talking about the old Livingstone/Stephens farm. She welcomed me into her home that sat on the very edge of [...]
St. Stephen’s 120th ~ Silent Auction
Historic St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Vankoughnet, Muskoka is celebrating its 120th year in 2011. The 900 square foot, wood frame church has been in continuous operation since 1891 – quite a feat for a rural, relatively remote and tiny church. The celebration of this remarkable milestone begins with the silent auction of the painting [...]
Doing ‘Doors Open’ Huronia and the Family Connection
Since beginning the research on my family history, I have discovered that both my maternal and paternal sides have deep roots in Huronia. Last weekend was ‘Doors Open’ in the region and I was able to visit some wonderful locations with a family connection. In Penetanguishene on the shores of Georgian Bay, the English set [...]
June 4-5 at the Old Kleinburg Post Office
Michelle has a few paintings including the award winning “Everything but the Bathroom Sink” available at the old Post Office in Kleinburg (most recently the Jeremy Jeweler’s). Michelle and 4 other artists have artwork on display and for sale in the building that was once the subject of an A.J. Casson painting. The building is [...]
“Time Frame” Opening June 2
Thursday, June 2nd at 6 pm marks the opening reception for the juried show “Time Frame” at the Alton Mill Gallery in Caledon, ON. The exhibition celebrates Ontario heritage, both natural and cultural. There will be over 90 works of art by 50 artists. The Alton Mill Gallery itself is a wonderful example of heritage [...]
New Painting – St. Stephen’s
After a couple of false starts, I finally have a painting I can be proud to donate for the church. This painting is of one of the stained glass windows in the St. Stephen’s chancel. St. Stephen’s is a tiny 900 square foot, wood frame Anglican church in Vankoughnet, Muskoka celebrating its 120th birthday this [...]
Mother’s Day Reflections
The sun is out and the birds are singing up a storm. It is the most perfect Mother’s Day here in Central Ontario. I have been researching my family history over the last year and it is the most amazing thing to learn about those who came before you. We are much more than a [...]
Room with a View – New Painting
Well, I squeaked in on the deadline… You can see a larger version here. This house has become a powerful muse. This place has an aura that I can barely explain. Over the last 18 months, as I uncovered the story behind this abandoned and derelict Muskoka house, the presence of the people have faded [...]
Sparrow Beach Lodge – Muskoka
Sparrow Beach Lodge © 2010 Michelle Basic Hendry Every so often, I have the privilege of visiting a place that seems frozen in time, where the voices of guests still echo through the halls and the warmth of summer memories never seem to fade. Sparrow Beach Lodge © 2010 Michelle Basic Hendry Originally named the [...]
A Muskoka & Parry Sound Gem – Swords (Part 1)
Donna on the porch at Swords © 2010 Michelle Basic Hendry There is a place just north of Rosseau that has a remarkable history. Built originally by lumber interests in the 1890′s, lived in and run by a family that gave the village its name and then, for the last 80 years, it has been [...]
