Group Believes in Knowlton's Revival

There’s a new wave of creativity happening in Knowlton and coupled with a good dose of retail savvy, it may well signal a rebirth of the village’s fortunes. Long a tourist centre from both a commercial and artistic point-of-view, Knowlton, of late, has been suffering the closure of many of its small boutiques and with that, the beginnings of rumours exclaiming the demise of the village.

Not so, say a group of artists and business people who are spearheading this new wave of optimism and positive action. “Arts & Antiquities ~ A La Carte” is a newly-formed coop of some 20 creative entrepreneurs that see the village as their home as well as their way of life. Having rented a large space in the heart of the village at One Lakeside Road, the group of artists, artisans and antique dealers have set up a mini shopping center of individuality and creativity that has yet to be seen in the Eastern Townships.

Products available at ‘Arts & Antiquites ~ A La Carte include handmade soaps and lotions, braided rugs, sculptures and paintings, lamps and lampshades and antiques that include china, glassware and furniture.

“We believe in Knowlton and we believe our collective creativity will attract and keep shoppers coming to Knowlton. People like us need to get together to showcase our respective artistic offerings and here we share the costs as well as our ideas which creates a great synergy. That translates into great shopping for the customer, “ enthuses group spokesperson Judith Duncanson, who is an antique dealer.

The group is also pleased that the Town of Brome Lake is taking a positive step towards the revitalization of the village core with action recommended by the ‘Fondation Rues principales’. “We are extremely pleased with this new effort and we will do everything possible to make it work,” says Duncanson. “We felt, however, that we had to do something now; not wait for a report.”

Members of the group are: Gail Bolton, naive art; Shannon Brown, painter; Nicole Brunet Moras, totes, hangbags, etc. made from re-cycled materials; Nathalie Cyr, stained glass; Suzanne Demers, frames and custom framing; Géraldine Dubé, handmade soaps & lotions; Judith Duncanson, antiques; Claire Globensky, doll houses; Anne Johnston, braided rugs; Pina Macku, hats & decorative arts; Elena Morgan, handmade soaps; Judy Mullins, Santa Clauses made from re-cycled materials; Thèrése Savard, mosaic-topped tables; Richard Shea, antique restoration & sales; Carolyn Smart, lamps & lamp shades ; Jack Walker, naive art, paintings & furniture; Tanya Workman, products for the body.

This picture shows a small sample of the wonderful lamp creations of Carolyn Smart, who is one of the artists coming together to form the “Arts & Antiquities ~ A La Carte”. Carolyn creates original lamps from interesting objects, antiques, porcelains and candlesticks. She also make custom lampshades in a variety of styles for any decor style. More information on Carolyn Smart at www.tinkhamsmart.com


Arts & Antiquities ~ A La Carte is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until May when it will be open 7 days a week. It is located in the Auberge Knowlton building, tucked cozily under the popular terrasse of Knowlton's favorite Inn. For further information, please contact: Judith Duncanson 450-242-2491

More information on the Auberge Knowlton at www.aubergeknowlton.ca
More information on Lac Brome at www.knowltonquebec.ca