ArtBonavista Studio is the continuation of CONDOmyplayground, a women’s collective based in the heart of the Glockenbach Viertl in Munich, Germany. Fifteen years ago this group of women with their eco-friendly fashion brands & accessories were already doing their part making this Earth a little bit better. Producing and selling high quality products exclusively handmade, recycled, up-cycled, ethical and of course, sustainable. What already made sense to us back then is becoming more of a priority in today’s world. This site is a work in progress, as time goes on I will be adding other artists and makers. The first is Drape & Davé based in Munich, with her fabulous handcrafted leather accessories, Yorabode, handmade scents and candles based here in Newfoundland, followed by design duo, panther & hèbert from Halle and many more. Right now I am learning how to add Etsy, and this is taking time! Finding the right mix of products I love.
The bit about me...
After 25 years of living in Berlin and Munich, I moved full time to Bonavista, NL in February of 2015 to head Bonavista Creative, a townscape and economic revitalization project. Long before that, in 2006, I became one of those CFA’s (Come From Away) who was sightseeing in Bonavista and bought a house that afternoon. I fell in looooove with Newfoundland where I had never been before and never intend to leave.
In the springs/summers of 2009 & 2010 I ran my studio/shop, CONDO Collective (based in Munich) in Bonavista, located in the newly renovated Keough Building, known as Neil’s Yard. There we held monthly art exhibits, readings, the first ever Bonavista Peninsula SJIWFF (St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival) series of youth workshops, (2D in 2 Days and the 24 Hour Film Challenge) and so much more. Alongside my own work I sold products of many artisan/craft members of the Craft Council Of Newfoundland & Labrador.
So back to Bonavista in February 2015....brrrrrrrrr, but working with Bonavista Living/Creative was a lot of fun and a huge success for its owners. In the next years I founded the Bonavista Art Walk, was an original steering committee member of the Bonavista Biennale 2017, (community coordinator & location scout) and am Co-founder of Union House Arts located in Port Union, a new gallery for NL artists and centre for developing community-based arts and supporting artist residencies.
https://theovercast.ca/how-regional-development-is-giving-new-life-to-the-bonavista-peninsula
After decades of organizing exhibitions and platforms for other artists, makers and creatives, I’ve begun to focus on making my own “stuff” in my current studio in Summerville, NL. You can drop by anytime.
Spring of 2022 I opened up an ocean front studio/shop/gallery in Bonavista which will be developed into a cool studio rental for 2023.
Upstairs, the ArtBonavista flat was rented out all season to fabulous reviews
Ps. Check out the vacation rental on Airbnb and VRBO but booking here is more cost effective for all.
EarthPositive, Salvage, Bamboo & Tencel...
Wear Your Values.
Where does your t-shirt or hoodie come from? How is it made? Who made it? Are you being sustainable? Join the Slow Fashion movement.
