As I’m sure most of you would agree, the last year-and-a-half has been…strange. It’s hard to attach one word to our collective experience since early 2020…strange for some, challenging & tragic for others, a CERB/CRB fuelled holiday for yet others. Despite our individual and unique experiences though, for most, it has not been “Business as Usual”.

After a very busy season in 2019, and feeling a little sense of burnout, I closed in October of that year with a mind to taking a 6 month break before re-opening in the Spring of 2020. My intention was to spend more time with my partner Cathy, maybe take a winter vacation to Mexico, and use Shavasana Gallery as my “Getaway Studio”… a place to just go and chill…work on a few creative projects, and visit some of the lovely friends I’ve made on Mayne Island.

Obviously, it didn’t quite turn out as planned. I’m almost shocked to realize that I have now been closed for 21 months. Regional travel restrictions (between health districts) have just been lifted, and I am in the process of gearing up to re-open.

It’s like starting a brand new business – and I know I’m not alone in this. Sunny Mayne Bakery, The Groove (Das Nest), Tru-Value Foods, Mayne Island Books, Dragonfly Gallery, The SeaCuterie – and others – have all changed hands or are new businesses which started up during the pandemic. I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with them all as I re-integrate into MI culture.

Long story short (as I get ready to load up my van for a trip to Tsawassen, The Salish Raven & Mayne Island )I am planning on re-opening my little Gallery Café Studio Thing at 9:00 sharp on Thursday July 15…the coffee will be hot & fresh, cookies & squares will be yummy (now being supplied by MJ Tiller, as my good friend & baker Astrid moved to Ontario in 2020)and the Arts & Crafts will be available for purchase.

Please come by and say Hi – I look forward to seeing you! 🙂

* Special thanks to friend and artist Mary Jack for the lovely pen & watercolour sketch of Shavasana Gallery 😊 ❤️