Gather in the County
modern textile market
Saturday June 7 2025 10am-5pm
Crystal Palace Picton Ontario
$5 at the door
Gather provides our visitors with an exciting and innovative gathering of textile makers, small batch producers, indie dyers, artists, collectors and merchants. Established artists, emerging artists, and textile guilds were invited to showcase their wares to the public along with textile art installations throughout the venue.
Gather in the County is a curated event by Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp, both local PEC textile artists and experienced event builders committed to showcasing the cultural value of craft and the rich tradition of textile arts through this annual market.
modern textile market
Saturday June 7 2025 10am-5pm
Crystal Palace Picton Ontario
$5 at the door
Gather provides our visitors with an exciting and innovative gathering of textile makers, small batch producers, indie dyers, artists, collectors and merchants. Established artists, emerging artists, and textile guilds were invited to showcase their wares to the public along with textile art installations throughout the venue.
Gather in the County is a curated event by Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp, both local PEC textile artists and experienced event builders committed to showcasing the cultural value of craft and the rich tradition of textile arts through this annual market.
Meet our installation artists!
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AMANDA MCCAVOUR ONTARIO WILDFLOWERS 2021 ALTERED DIGITAL PRINT ON NYLON NET
Amanda McCavour
McCavour holds a BFA from York University where she studied drawing and in May 2014 she completed her MFA in Fibers and Material Studies at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, PA. McCavour shows her work in galleries nationally and internationally with recent solo exhibitions in Kenora (ON), Wiarton (ON) and Oshkosh (WI, USA) and has completed residencies at Harbourfront Centre’s Textile Studio in Toronto, and the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture in Dawson City, Yukon. She has received numerous awards and scholarships from the Ontario Crafts Council, The Canada Council for the Arts, The Handweavers and Spinners Guild of America, The Ontario Society of Artists, The Surface Design Association and The Embroiderers Guild of America.
Ode to a Prairie: In this installation, I create a field of upside down floating flowers, blending fantasy and document, imagination and observation.The installation shifts the perspective of a traditional prairie, inviting viewers to walk underneath and through a floating field of flowers. Based on the Wisconsin prairie, this work explores plants as markers of memory and place. Indigenous species that I reference include goldenrod and milkweed. I am interested in the recent movement to restore Wisconsin’s prairie environment, almost completely destroyed by decades of farming. My installation both looks back to the past and toward an idealized future of what might be. In Ode to a Prairie, small plants are rendered monumental, creating a dream-like environment. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Ode to a Prairie: In this installation, I create a field of upside down floating flowers, blending fantasy and document, imagination and observation.The installation shifts the perspective of a traditional prairie, inviting viewers to walk underneath and through a floating field of flowers. Based on the Wisconsin prairie, this work explores plants as markers of memory and place. Indigenous species that I reference include goldenrod and milkweed. I am interested in the recent movement to restore Wisconsin’s prairie environment, almost completely destroyed by decades of farming. My installation both looks back to the past and toward an idealized future of what might be. In Ode to a Prairie, small plants are rendered monumental, creating a dream-like environment. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Amanda McCavour's work is sponsored by: The SHED at Chetwyn Farms
The SHED at Chetwyn Farms is a modern-day farm shop located in Prince Edward County– specializing in alpaca yarns and related product. Housed in a former chicken coop – the SHED is our "pop-up shop" that offers visitors a chance to watch alpaca graze in nearby pastures while shopping for locally spun-yarns, hand-made felted soaps & alpaca accessories, throws and uniquely produced alpaca bean products (organic natural fertilizers). New this year The SHED STUDIO opened offering seasonal small-scale exhibitions, Open-Studios by Artists-in- Residence, Pop-Ups and summer workshops in a more casual and relaxed setting.
Chetwyn Farms define a new aesthetic that represents modern day farming values infused with traditionally crafted design. So worth stopping in on your visit to Prince Edward County!
The SHED at Chetwyn Farms is a modern-day farm shop located in Prince Edward County– specializing in alpaca yarns and related product. Housed in a former chicken coop – the SHED is our "pop-up shop" that offers visitors a chance to watch alpaca graze in nearby pastures while shopping for locally spun-yarns, hand-made felted soaps & alpaca accessories, throws and uniquely produced alpaca bean products (organic natural fertilizers). New this year The SHED STUDIO opened offering seasonal small-scale exhibitions, Open-Studios by Artists-in- Residence, Pop-Ups and summer workshops in a more casual and relaxed setting.
Chetwyn Farms define a new aesthetic that represents modern day farming values infused with traditionally crafted design. So worth stopping in on your visit to Prince Edward County!
Look-i-Like
Local PEC Artists Deanne Lehtinen & Christina Zeidler are the creative collaboration behind Look-i-Like. They are interested in examining the relationship with waste culture through the use of up-cycled materials and will be installing an oversized art quilt made from discarded plastic on the market grounds.
Look-i-Like is sponsored by Books & Company.
Books & Company is an independent bookstore and more located in beautiful downtown Picton, in the heart of Prince Edward County. They offer a wide array of well chosen new and gently used books, games, toys, puzzles, stationery, cards, music, and magazines. Find new and old, rare and ubiquitous books. Books & Company is a place to wander and find a few treasures.
Look-i-Like is sponsored by Books & Company.
Books & Company is an independent bookstore and more located in beautiful downtown Picton, in the heart of Prince Edward County. They offer a wide array of well chosen new and gently used books, games, toys, puzzles, stationery, cards, music, and magazines. Find new and old, rare and ubiquitous books. Books & Company is a place to wander and find a few treasures.
Katrina Tompkins
Local PEC Artist Katrina Tompkins will be installing a hand tufted rug in the Bluebird Building. This colourful piece will be inspired from flower arrangements and translate an abstracted natural barrier ring of bush and growth. Katrina exhibits work regularly and has been honoured to receive numerous awards including a Herman Miller Award, Lady Flavelle Award, Sam Maloof Scholarship, PEC Arts Council grant and many more.
Katrina Tompkins is sponsored by KOKITO.
KOKITO is an evolving collection of objects inspired by cozy cottage interiors and sun-kissed beaches. It's a place to discover an eclectic array of homewares, art and accessories - both new and vintage. Most goods are designed and/or handcrafted in Canada - with a selection of special items sourced from far away places. Located in beautiful Bloomfield Ontario - down the road from Picton.
Katrina Tompkins is sponsored by KOKITO.
KOKITO is an evolving collection of objects inspired by cozy cottage interiors and sun-kissed beaches. It's a place to discover an eclectic array of homewares, art and accessories - both new and vintage. Most goods are designed and/or handcrafted in Canada - with a selection of special items sourced from far away places. Located in beautiful Bloomfield Ontario - down the road from Picton.
Meet our Guilds and Groups!
Gather hosts an exciting array of textile guilds and community groups generously sponsored by local businesses.
Ontario Fibreshed
The Ontario Fibreshed a not for profit organization whose mission is to support and promote the cultivation, production, and use of natural fibres in Ontario. They will be bringing information to hand out as well as local Ontario samples of natural fibres.
Sponsored by Rosehaven Yarn Shop.
Rosehaven Yarn Shop carries unique yarns and has a wide selection of handcrafted items from our local knitters, felters and spinners so drop by see the fabulous finished items. They also carry rovings for spinning and felting, plus needle felting needles, variegated merino rovings and so much more!! Located downtown Picton .
Haliburton School of the Arts
Yvonne Iten-Scott head of the The textile department of the Halliburton School will be joining the market to demonstrate rug hooking, needle punching, braiding & stitching, along with a display of students work.
Sponsored by City Revival.
Proudly bringing Quality Consignment Clothing to Prince Edward County since 1992. Visit us at 275 Main St, Picton ON. From Gap to Gucci. Something for everyone.
Prince Edward County Quilters
This Guild’s mandate is promote quilting within the community, preserve quilting as anart form, establish quilting standards, and research and preserve the history of quilting in Prince Edward County. Members will be on site showing hand sewing skills along side a display of members quilts.
Sponsored by Three in PEC.
Three in PEC Real Estate Team is an award winning team with over 40 years of combined experience in Prince Edward County. Their team is meticulous, efficient, well researched, and fully dedicated to the goals of their clients. Whether you are selling an existing home or purchasing a new property in the County they are here to help. Let them show you all that Prince Edward county has to offer.
Society of Stitchers
The Society of Stitchers is a social Embroidery Club. We have been meeting each winter for the last 10 years to get together in the darkest part of the year to stitch and share. The group is open to all skill levels, genders and ages. We have stitchers that have learned to thread their first needle to experts that have been stitching for decades. Annually we work on a themed project that adds to the collection of the Society. These pieces encourage community building and show how as a group, our projects are greater than the sum of its parts.
We I’ll be hosting a stitch in where visitors can try their hand at stitching and we will be displaying the Revolutionary Optimism Bunting flag that was produced by the SOS this winter!
Sponsored by Kelly's Shop.
Kelly’s is a magical gift shop located downtown Picton. Looking for hats, T shirts, stickers and gift ideas this is your place. Its super cute and we're big fans!
The Museum of Uncommon Phenomena
The Museum of Uncommon Phenomena is a roving exhibition of artifacts & ephemera for the preservation of the barely believable. They will be displaying a variety of needlework related artifacts. The curators will also bring works in progress to show textile process in the making of artifacts.
Sponsored by ERBN Green Cannabis Co.
Welcome to a place for explorers to safely and confidently explore the world of cannabis. Whether you’re new to these waters or an expert navigator, we’ll provide any expertise and advice you may need. Located downtown Picton.
Belleville Weavers and Spinners Guild
Our aim is to further the interest in weaving and spinning plus offer educational services and to improve the skill and artistry of those participating.
Sponsored by BEACON BIKE + BREW.
Located in the heart of Picton BEACON BIKE + BREW is a licensed Coffee, Drink, Snack + Retail Space. Blending a love of great coffee, food + cycling. Jordan + Stephanie Malka built a space open to all offering local fare and a unique retail experience. Focused on cycling accessories + safety items the shop caters to a wide range of guests + cyclists.
Magnificent Bugs in Rugs Exhibition
Gather is thrilled to welcome Magnificent Bugs in Rugs Exhibition.
This is a travelling collection of 45 hand-hooked art rugs depicting magnificent bugs created by artists from around the world. Popping up at market will be a selection of the works from the exhibition along with copies of the children’s book created for the show. Proceeds from the books sales will be used to create programs for children to promote rug making to a new generation.
Sponsored by Slumber and Shine.
Phoebe Olszewski is the founder of Slumber and Shine and a Baby’s Best Sleep Certified Sleep Consultant, who’s dedicated to helping families find restorative sleep for their little ones and themselves. Through Phoebe’s own transformative experience with sleep work, she was inspired to give the gift of brighter mornings and restful nights to families with her sleep coaching.
County Museums.
The County Museums are a series of five museums that preserve and interpret the rich cultural heritage of the County. We hold a large collection of textiles and would love to showcase some of those pieces at Gather.
Sponsored by The Royal.
Dating back to 1879, The Royal has been lovingly restored by a local family, reimagined for today’s traveller while honouring its strong history in the community. A stone’s throw from picturesque wineries, charming restaurants and idyllic natural attractions, The Royal is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring everything that makes The County special. Join them on Picton Main Street and discover why we love to call The County home. Eat Drink and Stay at the Royal
The County Spinners
A local County group that gets together to spin wool and share ideas. They will be demonstrating and showcasing their wares.
sponsored by Harvey Kalles Real Estate PEC
Luxury isn't about price...it's about the experience. Listed locally. Marketed globally. Located downtown Picton in their newly renovated space, check out the local art on the walls when you pop in !!
South County Stitchers
A stitching group that meets weekly at the Milford Town Hall. Open to all.
sponsored by Harvey Kalles Real Estate PEC
Luxury isn't about price...it's about the experience. Listed locally. Marketed globally. Located downtown Picton in their newly renovated space, check out the local art on the walls when you pop in !!
The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers
The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers brings together fibre artists from across Toronto at all levels of experience to share ideas and learn from local and international experts. We meet on Zoom in the winter and in-person at Riverdale Farm. In addition to meetings, we co-host weekly drop-ins at the Farm with their staff.
Quinte Needle Arts Guild
The Quinte Needle Arts Guild is a group dedicated to embroidery of all types. As a chapter of the Embroiderers Association of Canada, we welcome stitchers from beginner to expert in a friendly, supportive environment.
Bridging Communities
Bridging Communities is a large-scale art installation where community members will create crochet, and cover the Belleville Front Street Bridge. Drop in and be part of the creation! They will be supplying yarn and instruction for a day long crochet circle for market visitors.
The Cordwood Folk School
We have a deep desire to spread knowledge of craft and practical skills, both old and new. We believe that hands-on learning and skills (and stories) passed on from one human to another hold so much value and richness. We offer a wide range of short, half-day workshops, to immersive 5-day courses, taught by experienced teachers who are passionate about their craft.
Quinte Isle Hooking Craft Guild
traditional rug hooking guild
Bay of Quinte Modern Quilt Guild
We are a group of modern quilters who meet monthly in Amieliasburgh. Our mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education and community.
Slow and Intentional
The "Hate Has No Home Here" campaign is an original piece of art by Hill Werth. Hill is a mixed media artist, educator, activist, is trans non binary and all around amazing human! The purpose of this art piece is for businesses, organizations, establishments and educators to display it prominently, proudly, and indefinitely in their window fronts/doors facing outwards to the public to be more welcoming upon entering, and as an act of solidarity. This poster is a peaceful way to combat the many forms of hate we're seeing today.
Prince Edward County Arts Council
The Prince Edward County Arts Council (County Arts) is an arts service organization in Prince Edward County, Ontario with a physical space in Picton’s historic Armoury building. Incorporated as a charitable organization in 1986, the organization hired its first Executive Director in 2017 and now employs a team of five. According to census data analysis by Hill Strategies, Prince Edward County is home to the highest concentration of artists in Ontario, tied with Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake. PEC artists represent 2.3% of the local labour force, more than double the provincial and national averages. We are proud to be serving hundreds of local artists through our wide-ranging programming, contributing to the vibrant community they help foster, and advocating with our municipality and other funders to secure resources that adequately serve the needs of local arts organizations.
Ontario Fibreshed
The Ontario Fibreshed a not for profit organization whose mission is to support and promote the cultivation, production, and use of natural fibres in Ontario. They will be bringing information to hand out as well as local Ontario samples of natural fibres.
Sponsored by Rosehaven Yarn Shop.
Rosehaven Yarn Shop carries unique yarns and has a wide selection of handcrafted items from our local knitters, felters and spinners so drop by see the fabulous finished items. They also carry rovings for spinning and felting, plus needle felting needles, variegated merino rovings and so much more!! Located downtown Picton .
Haliburton School of the Arts
Yvonne Iten-Scott head of the The textile department of the Halliburton School will be joining the market to demonstrate rug hooking, needle punching, braiding & stitching, along with a display of students work.
Sponsored by City Revival.
Proudly bringing Quality Consignment Clothing to Prince Edward County since 1992. Visit us at 275 Main St, Picton ON. From Gap to Gucci. Something for everyone.
Prince Edward County Quilters
This Guild’s mandate is promote quilting within the community, preserve quilting as anart form, establish quilting standards, and research and preserve the history of quilting in Prince Edward County. Members will be on site showing hand sewing skills along side a display of members quilts.
Sponsored by Three in PEC.
Three in PEC Real Estate Team is an award winning team with over 40 years of combined experience in Prince Edward County. Their team is meticulous, efficient, well researched, and fully dedicated to the goals of their clients. Whether you are selling an existing home or purchasing a new property in the County they are here to help. Let them show you all that Prince Edward county has to offer.
Society of Stitchers
The Society of Stitchers is a social Embroidery Club. We have been meeting each winter for the last 10 years to get together in the darkest part of the year to stitch and share. The group is open to all skill levels, genders and ages. We have stitchers that have learned to thread their first needle to experts that have been stitching for decades. Annually we work on a themed project that adds to the collection of the Society. These pieces encourage community building and show how as a group, our projects are greater than the sum of its parts.
We I’ll be hosting a stitch in where visitors can try their hand at stitching and we will be displaying the Revolutionary Optimism Bunting flag that was produced by the SOS this winter!
Sponsored by Kelly's Shop.
Kelly’s is a magical gift shop located downtown Picton. Looking for hats, T shirts, stickers and gift ideas this is your place. Its super cute and we're big fans!
The Museum of Uncommon Phenomena
The Museum of Uncommon Phenomena is a roving exhibition of artifacts & ephemera for the preservation of the barely believable. They will be displaying a variety of needlework related artifacts. The curators will also bring works in progress to show textile process in the making of artifacts.
Sponsored by ERBN Green Cannabis Co.
Welcome to a place for explorers to safely and confidently explore the world of cannabis. Whether you’re new to these waters or an expert navigator, we’ll provide any expertise and advice you may need. Located downtown Picton.
Belleville Weavers and Spinners Guild
Our aim is to further the interest in weaving and spinning plus offer educational services and to improve the skill and artistry of those participating.
Sponsored by BEACON BIKE + BREW.
Located in the heart of Picton BEACON BIKE + BREW is a licensed Coffee, Drink, Snack + Retail Space. Blending a love of great coffee, food + cycling. Jordan + Stephanie Malka built a space open to all offering local fare and a unique retail experience. Focused on cycling accessories + safety items the shop caters to a wide range of guests + cyclists.
Magnificent Bugs in Rugs Exhibition
Gather is thrilled to welcome Magnificent Bugs in Rugs Exhibition.
This is a travelling collection of 45 hand-hooked art rugs depicting magnificent bugs created by artists from around the world. Popping up at market will be a selection of the works from the exhibition along with copies of the children’s book created for the show. Proceeds from the books sales will be used to create programs for children to promote rug making to a new generation.
Sponsored by Slumber and Shine.
Phoebe Olszewski is the founder of Slumber and Shine and a Baby’s Best Sleep Certified Sleep Consultant, who’s dedicated to helping families find restorative sleep for their little ones and themselves. Through Phoebe’s own transformative experience with sleep work, she was inspired to give the gift of brighter mornings and restful nights to families with her sleep coaching.
County Museums.
The County Museums are a series of five museums that preserve and interpret the rich cultural heritage of the County. We hold a large collection of textiles and would love to showcase some of those pieces at Gather.
Sponsored by The Royal.
Dating back to 1879, The Royal has been lovingly restored by a local family, reimagined for today’s traveller while honouring its strong history in the community. A stone’s throw from picturesque wineries, charming restaurants and idyllic natural attractions, The Royal is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring everything that makes The County special. Join them on Picton Main Street and discover why we love to call The County home. Eat Drink and Stay at the Royal
The County Spinners
A local County group that gets together to spin wool and share ideas. They will be demonstrating and showcasing their wares.
sponsored by Harvey Kalles Real Estate PEC
Luxury isn't about price...it's about the experience. Listed locally. Marketed globally. Located downtown Picton in their newly renovated space, check out the local art on the walls when you pop in !!
South County Stitchers
A stitching group that meets weekly at the Milford Town Hall. Open to all.
sponsored by Harvey Kalles Real Estate PEC
Luxury isn't about price...it's about the experience. Listed locally. Marketed globally. Located downtown Picton in their newly renovated space, check out the local art on the walls when you pop in !!
The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers
The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers brings together fibre artists from across Toronto at all levels of experience to share ideas and learn from local and international experts. We meet on Zoom in the winter and in-person at Riverdale Farm. In addition to meetings, we co-host weekly drop-ins at the Farm with their staff.
Quinte Needle Arts Guild
The Quinte Needle Arts Guild is a group dedicated to embroidery of all types. As a chapter of the Embroiderers Association of Canada, we welcome stitchers from beginner to expert in a friendly, supportive environment.
Bridging Communities
Bridging Communities is a large-scale art installation where community members will create crochet, and cover the Belleville Front Street Bridge. Drop in and be part of the creation! They will be supplying yarn and instruction for a day long crochet circle for market visitors.
The Cordwood Folk School
We have a deep desire to spread knowledge of craft and practical skills, both old and new. We believe that hands-on learning and skills (and stories) passed on from one human to another hold so much value and richness. We offer a wide range of short, half-day workshops, to immersive 5-day courses, taught by experienced teachers who are passionate about their craft.
Quinte Isle Hooking Craft Guild
traditional rug hooking guild
Bay of Quinte Modern Quilt Guild
We are a group of modern quilters who meet monthly in Amieliasburgh. Our mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education and community.
Slow and Intentional
The "Hate Has No Home Here" campaign is an original piece of art by Hill Werth. Hill is a mixed media artist, educator, activist, is trans non binary and all around amazing human! The purpose of this art piece is for businesses, organizations, establishments and educators to display it prominently, proudly, and indefinitely in their window fronts/doors facing outwards to the public to be more welcoming upon entering, and as an act of solidarity. This poster is a peaceful way to combat the many forms of hate we're seeing today.
Prince Edward County Arts Council
The Prince Edward County Arts Council (County Arts) is an arts service organization in Prince Edward County, Ontario with a physical space in Picton’s historic Armoury building. Incorporated as a charitable organization in 1986, the organization hired its first Executive Director in 2017 and now employs a team of five. According to census data analysis by Hill Strategies, Prince Edward County is home to the highest concentration of artists in Ontario, tied with Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake. PEC artists represent 2.3% of the local labour force, more than double the provincial and national averages. We are proud to be serving hundreds of local artists through our wide-ranging programming, contributing to the vibrant community they help foster, and advocating with our municipality and other funders to secure resources that adequately serve the needs of local arts organizations.
Meet our performers!
Short Attention Spa
Local comedy duo Short Attention Spa will be on-site with their giant puppets to engage the community. Performing as a pair since 2018, Lenny Epstein and Gavin North promise audiences a hilarious duo dynamic and well-crafted, smart, alternative comedy. Gavin and Lenny have presented their work on stage and screen at The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, Mprov, Big City Improv, Comedy Country Festival, and Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival.
Volunteer with us on June 7! Click here for Volunteer form
past events...
and in February...
Historic Textile Arts Residency
Presented by Gather in the County and The County Museums
Featuring Gather curators Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp
Wednesdays–Fridays in February 2025, 1–4 PM
Macaulay House County Museum
35 Church St, Picton ON
Drop in this February to the historic Macaulay House! Join local textile artists Bay Woodyard and Bear Epp as they explore traditional dyeing, knitting and rug hooking techniques, blending art and history in an inspiring setting.
Step into the 1830s kitchen in front of the wood burning hearth, spend some time chatting with the artists , discover what they're working on and experience Macaulay House in a whole new light.
Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp are the curators of Gather in the County, an annual marketplace which showcases the diversity and versatility of textile works by artists, traditional crafters, and contemporary makers in the region.
Presented by Gather in the County and The County Museums
Featuring Gather curators Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp
Wednesdays–Fridays in February 2025, 1–4 PM
Macaulay House County Museum
35 Church St, Picton ON
Drop in this February to the historic Macaulay House! Join local textile artists Bay Woodyard and Bear Epp as they explore traditional dyeing, knitting and rug hooking techniques, blending art and history in an inspiring setting.
Step into the 1830s kitchen in front of the wood burning hearth, spend some time chatting with the artists , discover what they're working on and experience Macaulay House in a whole new light.
Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp are the curators of Gather in the County, an annual marketplace which showcases the diversity and versatility of textile works by artists, traditional crafters, and contemporary makers in the region.
Flashback February – Textile Takeover
Modern Makers Working in Traditional Textile Arts
Presented by Gather in the County and The County Museums
Saturday & Sunday February 15th & 16th 2025 1-4PM
Macaulay House County Museum
35 Church St, Picton ON
Get ready for a total textile takeover! The historic Macaulay House (circa 1830) is being transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as local textile artists and makers bring their craft to life.
Explore two floors bursting with color, texture, and imagination, where every room is filled with contemporary artists putting their own spin on traditional textile arts. See how these talented creators turn age-old techniques into something fresh, modern, and totally inspiring.
Chat with the artists, catch live demos, browse the wares for sale and dive into the rich, lively world of textile arts right here in Prince Edward County. It’s hands-on, interactive, and a whole lot of fun—don’t miss it!
Modern Makers Working in Traditional Textile Arts
Presented by Gather in the County and The County Museums
Saturday & Sunday February 15th & 16th 2025 1-4PM
Macaulay House County Museum
35 Church St, Picton ON
Get ready for a total textile takeover! The historic Macaulay House (circa 1830) is being transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as local textile artists and makers bring their craft to life.
Explore two floors bursting with color, texture, and imagination, where every room is filled with contemporary artists putting their own spin on traditional textile arts. See how these talented creators turn age-old techniques into something fresh, modern, and totally inspiring.
Chat with the artists, catch live demos, browse the wares for sale and dive into the rich, lively world of textile arts right here in Prince Edward County. It’s hands-on, interactive, and a whole lot of fun—don’t miss it!
Natural Dyeing on the Hearth
with Bay Woodyard
Sunday Feb 9th 2025
Presented by the County Museums and Gather in the County for Flashback February.
Create a naturally dyed skein of wool over the hearth at Macaulay House using historical techniques!
We'll cover mordanting wool, harvesting dye materials, making dye baths and dyeing wool. All materials will be supplied for this class and you will take home a skein of local wool that you've created with plant material. No previous experience necessary.
A great way to spend the afternoon together in front of the hearth in the winter kitchen!
with Bay Woodyard
Sunday Feb 9th 2025
Presented by the County Museums and Gather in the County for Flashback February.
Create a naturally dyed skein of wool over the hearth at Macaulay House using historical techniques!
We'll cover mordanting wool, harvesting dye materials, making dye baths and dyeing wool. All materials will be supplied for this class and you will take home a skein of local wool that you've created with plant material. No previous experience necessary.
A great way to spend the afternoon together in front of the hearth in the winter kitchen!
Rug Hooking in the Parlour with Bear Epp
Sunday February 23, 2025
Presented by the County Museums and Gather in the County for Flashback February.
Join us in the Parlour of the Macaulay House Museum and try your hand at traditional rug hooking. We will be working on an owl pattern hand drawn on linen inspired by one of the Museum's beloved hooking collection. Using wool strips, you will learn the basics of rug hooking through group demonstrations and one-on-one guidance. All materials provided to complete a 8x8 finished trivet. Hoops and hooks provided during the workshop only.
Sunday February 23, 2025
Presented by the County Museums and Gather in the County for Flashback February.
Join us in the Parlour of the Macaulay House Museum and try your hand at traditional rug hooking. We will be working on an owl pattern hand drawn on linen inspired by one of the Museum's beloved hooking collection. Using wool strips, you will learn the basics of rug hooking through group demonstrations and one-on-one guidance. All materials provided to complete a 8x8 finished trivet. Hoops and hooks provided during the workshop only.
Here's how it went last year...
GATHER in the county
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Gather in the County is a new annual market, taking place at the historic Crystal Palace in Picton, Ontario; an idyllic spot in the heart of Prince Edward County, a cultural destination made famous by its award winning wineries, natural beauty and diverse arts community.
Gather will feature an indoor/outdoor market providing our visitors with an exciting and innovative gathering of textile makers, small batch producers, indie dyers, artists, collectors and community guilds producing a wide range of handmade textile wares + supplies. Gather is a curated event by Bay Woodyard & Bear Epp, both textile artists and experienced event builders committed to showcasing the cultural value of craft and the rich tradition of textile arts through this new annual market.
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Installation Art
Find these artists at Gather in the County June 15, 2024!
table 4 2
James Ridyard AKA Buster Corot is a queer artist residing in Prince Edward County. With a daily studio practice, Ridyard aims to create inclusive and accessible art.
"I reimagine the domestic and traditional by creating with the discarded and unwanted."
Ridyard's work was last seen at the Art Gallery of Ontario (2022) and upcoming fall 2024 at the Art Gallery of Sudbury.
"I reimagine the domestic and traditional by creating with the discarded and unwanted."
Ridyard's work was last seen at the Art Gallery of Ontario (2022) and upcoming fall 2024 at the Art Gallery of Sudbury.
Ink, coffee and oil pastel on discarded canvas drops.
2024
I've been meaning to tell you
Ink, coffee and oil pastel on discarded cotton drape panel.
2024
even in the quiet moments
Ink, coffee and oil pastel on discarded canvas drops.
2024
...something borrowed, something blue
Ink, coffee and oil pastel on discarded cotton drape panel.
2024
by James Ridyard AKA Buster Corot
table 4 2 is sponsored by: Slumber and Shine
Re-Claiming, Re-Membering and Re-Wilding
Re-Claiming the ways in which our Femme bodies are objectified and dissected by patriarchy and made invisible, infantilized and degraded.
Re-membering our wholeness, fullness, and beauty of our inner wisdom, and our intuition – We are all knowing when we pay attention to our-SELF inside -Sometimes it may be just a whisper and sometimes raging.
Re-Wilding where there are no bounds holding us back.
Textile Mixed Media Installation
By Supria Karmakar
Re-membering our wholeness, fullness, and beauty of our inner wisdom, and our intuition – We are all knowing when we pay attention to our-SELF inside -Sometimes it may be just a whisper and sometimes raging.
Re-Wilding where there are no bounds holding us back.
Textile Mixed Media Installation
By Supria Karmakar
Re-Claiming, Re-Membering and Re-Wilding is sponsored by: Gather in the County
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Compassion Tent
‘Compassion Tent’ is an interactive textile installation comprised of recycled fabric and pieces of supportive writing donated by the public. Discarded clothing and studio remnants have been used to make quilted walls, filled with many pockets. They hold contributed secrets, words of comfort and support, or stories that need to be shared.
A call for participation has resulted in many donations of words embroidered or written on bits of paper or cloth. Visitors are encouraged to find and read the words and ideas, like secret hand kerchiefs in the pockets on the walls and possibly leave some of their own. The tactile nature of engaging with this work is not unlike participating in a sewing circle. As new messages are left the dialogue will continue, as will the effects of the shared compassionate experience.
By Tammy Ratcliff
A call for participation has resulted in many donations of words embroidered or written on bits of paper or cloth. Visitors are encouraged to find and read the words and ideas, like secret hand kerchiefs in the pockets on the walls and possibly leave some of their own. The tactile nature of engaging with this work is not unlike participating in a sewing circle. As new messages are left the dialogue will continue, as will the effects of the shared compassionate experience.
By Tammy Ratcliff
Compassion Tent is sponsored by: Blizzmax Gallery
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Community Rope
in this precarious time, artists and community members came together to create a length of textile rope to hold our dreams, hopes & prayers for the future. hosted by shannon gerard & sara torrie, the community rope project was created as a part of 'a textile sampler' and will be on display at the gather festival. you are invited to add your own hopes for the future to the rope through your touch and intention.
by Sara Torrie and Shannon Gerard
by Sara Torrie and Shannon Gerard
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Community Rope is sponsored by The Royal Hotel
Body Coiling
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A continual work in progress, Body Coiling is formed gradually, using slow craft practice and household textile reuse. Triggering tactile skin memory, the fabrics are used as material signifiers of cultural place and personal history. These are re-crafted through deconstruction, braiding and hand sewing to form a one directional, endless, spiraling configuration. When activated by the body, the domestic object moves and writhes- it is biomimetic, even wild. by Valerie Carew |
Body Coiling is sponsored by Gather in the County.
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