Exploring the Hub of Cape Breton's Artisan Trail
Published February 15th, 2024
Photography by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted.
Saying art is important to a community and acting on it are drawn from two different paint brushes. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has been painting with hundreds of brushes, serving and supporting the art community since 1972.
The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design (The Centre) is currently representing over 100 local artisans and over 300 members. Their mandate includes “to promote excellence in the field of craft and design through education and training, exhibitions and special events. We are committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand, and enhance the creation of craft.”
How is The Centre stitched together with travel? I’m happy you asked. With the legendary Cabot Trail being about an hour from The Centre in Sydney and Cape Breton being cross stitched with the arts, this first stop before exploring the area can provide a primer for the Cabot Trail and surrounding areas.
Sydney, with it’s waterfront “Sydney Letters” and the World’s Largest Fiddle within walking distance of it, is a logical launching pad for the Cabot Trail driving route.
In addition to information, you can also pick up a copy of the Artisan Trail Map, with nearly 30 local artists and creatives along the Cabot Trail to enjoy and experience.
With that, let’s look at the colourful canvas that is The Centre, what it offers and why it’s important.
“ I watched an artist from Pennsylvania rug hooking as she shared her love of the craft and appreciation for this space.”
There are five studios on site which include pottery, metal and glass, weaving, print making and a multipurpose one.
During my mid-August solo travel visit, I lucked out thrice by meeting artists who were actively creating. It’s one thing to see a room and an entirely different experience to witness art being created.
The weaving studio is upstairs with several windows, allowing the natural light to dance with the various looms. I watched an artist from Pennsylvania rug hooking as she shared her love of the craft and appreciation for this space.
The metal and glass studio has all the modern machinery needed to create with these delicate mediums. From the heating to shaping to polishing, the process of creation using metal will always be impressive.
Housed at the end of the hall on the lower level is the pottery studio, where coincidentally, I connected with a student who had attended Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario; the same college I attended. The difference being I graduated in 2002 and this student was in the early steps of her creative journey. I saw her hand-shape clay into forks and spoons for a piece she was working on and then into the kiln.
The printmaking room was decked out with screen printers, traditional machines and ample space to bring ideas to life. Fun fact; in my 20’s, the band I was in (The Noble Rogues) screen printed 100 t-shirts for our album launch. I saw some of the shirts being made and even though this studio was empty, it brought back happy memories.
Lastly, the multipurpose room is something all facilities should have as versatility is important. Whether it’s painting, crafting, sewing or something else, having a utility space helps more mediums be included with a place to craft and create.
“When you drive the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque panoramic views, a divine drive route and an abundance of art, artists and artisans. ”
Giving back is always important and The Centre has that smartly covered through their Creative Entrepreneurship program for their “Maker Members.”
It’s designed to strengthen the artists business skills, business development skills, marketing campaigns, become more productive and help artists grow.
Regardless of what stage the artist is in for their career cycle, this program is here to help through five key pillars; workshops, funding, wholesale and export, mentorship and opportunities.
With increased competition, education and knowledge is increasingly important, especially in our advanced digital age.
Additional offerings include a stellar loft/event space for community gatherings, art shows, performances, etc, along with various children’s programming and supportive artist in residency programs. Add in a variety of courses and workshops, and The Centre truly is a welcoming, inclusive hub for all things craft and design.
Image via Th Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
Acknowledging the heritage of Cape Breton, The Centre offers a Mi’kmaq Arts Development program for Mi’kmaq artists and residents. The goal is to enable them to be, as per their website, “active participants and leaders in the educational activities and programs of the craft community. This program promotes inclusivity in the craft sector for Mi’kmaq. As well, this program will increase Mi’kmaq leadership and promote intercultural exchange through various craft media. The Centre will play a role in facilitating access to cultural activities in Unama’ki-Cape Breton by creating space for cross cultural exchange and resource sharing.”
Before you leave, the Gift Shop offers pieces made by their local artists including textiles, wood, glass, paintings and more.
Travel is more than seeing things and taking pictures. It’s about learning, understanding the areas history and heritage and experiencing what your locations have to offer. It’s knowing why. In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, it’s why the arts are so prevalent across numerous mediums.
When you drive the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque panoramic views, a divine drive route and an abundance of art, artists and artisans.
Creative culture is vibrantly illustrated throughout Cape Breton and waiting for you to find it. Having the knowledge that The Centre offers gives you a clear map for artistic adventure.
To plan your visit, start with the Nova Scotia tourism website.
Click here to plan your visit to the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design.
