LOCAL ARTISAN SENDS TORONTO ADULTS LIVING IN POVERTY TO CAMP THIS SUMMER

Toronto, July 20, 2009 – Local artisan Darlene Martin has partnered with Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) to provide a Canadian camp experience for adults living in poverty through proceeds from her “Summer in Parkdale” exhibit.

For over two decades, PARC has provided a safe haven and personal betterment opportunities for adults living in poverty in Toronto through extensive programming. Each year PARC serves over 2000 individuals (referred to as members), half of whom have a significant history with the mental health system and half living in poverty – many with addictions, many with multiple barriers such as developmental delays, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Acquired Brain Injury. Members are predominantly single, male, and between the ages of 36 and 65. In keeping with a Canadian tradition, one of PARC’s programs provides the opportunity for 40-50 of its members to experience the great outdoors at Camp Kandalore in Minden, Ontario. This summer, Darlene Martin of Bijouxbead will be helping to fund these efforts through her “Summer in Parkdale” collection being shown at Made You Look Jewellery Gallery, 1338 Queen Street West until August 31st.

Victor Willis, Executive Director of PARC, has been involved with the organization for twenty years and has seen the positive effects of the Camp Kandalore program first hand. “From day one we observed the dramatic effect of providing members with a respite from their daily surroundings. As PARC members got off the bus and walked around the grounds, sat on the dock, explored the trails and paddled on the lake, it was as if many of the symptoms simply melted away,” Willis recalls. “This experience reinforced for us that often the symptoms of mental illness are the symptoms of poverty, lack of options, few choices and the environments people are relegated to live and survive within.”

Learning of PARC’s programs after a previous showing of her work in the area, Martin realized that she could combine her business with fundraising. “After my first opening in the neighbourhood, I decided that I would have a special exhibition in Parkdale to benefit PARC,” Martin says. “I also want to inspire people to learn more about Parkdale’s history, challenges, art and culture.” To meet these goals, Martin created the Summer in Parkdale collection with a portion of sales directed to PARC. The collection includes necklaces named for the three main estates forming Parkdale – O’Hara, Gwynne, and Dunn – and local landmarks. Martin says the colour palette was specifically chosen to represent a toughness paired with a calm, soft feel that echoes the dichotomy of the neighbourhood. Willis notes that 100% of the donated funds from Summer in Parkdale will go directly to supporting programs. “We were fortunate to be approached by Darlene and are thrilled with her identifying us as the beneficiaries of her generosity,” Willis comments.

About PARC
The Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) is a drop-in community centre located in the west end of Toronto, an area known for its harsh social climate. PARC has been operating for over two decades and offers support to help sort out a life; it is a springboard for self-improvement, finding shelter, getting education, and getting work. PARC is located at 1499 Queen Street West and can be reached at 416-537-2262 or online at www.parc.on.ca.

About Summer in Parkdale
Honouring Parkdale’s story, challenges and reputation as a destination for local contemporary art & culture, this exclusive collection from Bijouxbead combines alluring metal, stone and glass in hues ranging from steel to pewter to blue. Named after significant Parkdale historical landmarks, a portion of the proceeds from Summer in Parkdale is being put back into the community, benefiting PARC, “a community where people rebuild their lives”. Exhibition currently open until August 31, 2009 at Made You Look Jewellery Gallery, 1338 Queen Street West.

For further information please contact:
Michelle Halsey, mCommunications
416-423-0075 or michelle@mcommunications.ca

Bijouxbead Summer in Parkdale Exhibition opens July 1

Bijouxbead Summer in Parkdale Exhibition
July 1 through August 31 2009
Made You Look Jewellery Gallery
1338 Queen Street West (North Side location)
Toronto (Parkdale) Ontario
view map and gallery hours here

I am pleased to announce this special exhibition of Bijouxbead works honouring Parkdale. Starting at $40, the collection features a limited quantity of one of a kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings combining metal, stone and glass. The colour palate includes steel, pewter and an appealing range of blues, with the necklaces named for specific landmarks that have significance in the area.

I am fascinated with Parkdale; its history, its challenges, and its reputation as a tourist destination for art, fashion and all that is cool in Toronto.

A portion of the proceeds from this exhibition will benefit PARC - Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre.

SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award

I am happy to announce that I have been nominated for Mom Entrepreneur of the year. If you would like to vote for me, please follow the link below:

SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award


This is a great honour!

18 Karat Bijouxbead winner is...

Whitney was the winner of the 18 Karat Jewellers Mother's Day Bijouxbead necklace contest. Isn't she lovely?

18 Karat Jewellers and I were thrilled with the tremendous response to this contest. So thrilled in fact, that we are working on another promotion together.

All the more reason to follow this blog, or 18 Karat's...or both!

Bijouxbead now at Red Sable Gallery

I am happy to announce that Bijouxbead is now available at the new Red Sable Gallery, located at 1765 Danforth Avenue in Toronto. This bright gallery represents selected works from outstanding artists across Southern Ontario and I am thrilled to be part of this new initiative on Danforth East, especially since I live very close by.

Up until now I have known the area for great tapas at Relish, and great Angus from Royal Beef. And now thanks to owners Julie Glick and Klaas Heart, the area now has a great gallery to visit.

Red Sable is open Thur/Fri: 11am to 6pm Sat/Sun: 12pm to 5pm
For directions click here
phone 647-436-3733
1765 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, Ont M4C 1J1

Mother's Day -a gift from you, a gift from me

I have made several pairs of earrings that will be given away with each purchase of $90 or more from 18 Karat Jewellers today through Saturday May 9, while quantities last.

Starting at $40, the selection of new handmade fine and designer jewellery at 18 Karat is beautifully displayed, and the staff are both knowledgeable and as helpful as you need them to be!

For 18 Karat's location and hours click here.

Mother's Day Promotion - thank you from Bijouxbead and 18 Karat

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.

~Rajneesh

To celebrate mothers and the notion of "new", 18 Karat Jewellers and I have teamed up to give you the chance to win this one of a kind Bijouxbead necklace pictured above (retail value $190 CAN).

The winner will be chosen on May 10 2009, Mother's Day.

To learn how participate in this new initiative, please click here

Good luck!