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Danforth East Arts Fair: Bonnie Dorgelo of Dorgelo Jewellery

In our series of artist profiles leading up the Danforth East Arts Fair, writer Shauna Rempel introduces us to Bonnie Dorgelo of Dorgelo Jewellery. 

Jewellery maker Bonnie Dorgelo’s fascination with stones began early: as a child she collected rocks and even entered her collection into the local fall fair.

Fast forward to today and the established artisan has become known for exciting, contemporary sterling silver jewellery featuring semi-precious stones. When it comes to semi-precious stones, Dorgelo says she selects pieces that have visually appealing colours, patterns and shapes while paying attention to the special properties they carry. “I find intriguing ways of combining shapes, textures, sheens and other opacities.” Combined with Swarovski crystals and wrought in sterling silver, the result is classic yet unpredictable.

Although they can easily be considered heirlooms, Dorgelo’s earrings, necklaces and bracelets are not meant to languish in a safety deposit box. She says her “versatile, interchangeable and detachable designs” have an elegant yet casual attitude.  They  are “intended to be worn as often as one wishes,’’ she declares.

     

For Dorgelo, who grew up on 100 acres of land and is currently based in Collingwood, nature is a constant inspiration. The graceful sweep of a flower petal, the cascade of water over rocks or moonlight as it streams through the branches of the tree — all are fuel for her creative pursuits.

This multi-talented artist, who is also passionate about painting, says she encourages everyone to find their own inspiration and pursue their creative dreams.

Bonnie Dorgelo’s jewellery, which range in price from $10 to $500, will be for sale at the Danforth East Arts Fair in East Lynn Park on September 15 & 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Danforth East Arts Fair and our artists, visit www.deca-arts.ca, or check out Facebook and Twitter.

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Peachfest & Movie Night

Peachfest Poster

It’s Peachfest! There’s so much to see and do at the market this Thursday – a magic show at 5:00 p.m., music from Bad Dog, peachy treats from True Brew, topped off by a movie in the park at 8:30 p.m. Check out the poster for more details.

Speaking of peaches… they’re a favorite of Angela Russo. Angela and her husband have been bringing the fresh fruit and baked goods of Loffredo Fruit Farms in St. Catharines to our market for five years now. She says making peach pies is her favourite, especially when the peaches are freestone like they are right now, which we’ve learned means that they separate from the pits very easily. Even though she sells out most of her baked goods each week, it’s not the business that keeps her coming back. Angela loves the friendly people and the atmosphere of our market.

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Secret artist at work on our streets

This just in from one of our art-loving neighbours…

These colourful crocheted cozies are appearing all along Wolverleigh Blvd. near Earl Beatty school – on bike racks, poles and more. They’re beautiful, and as they multiply, they warm up the street and bring a smile to the faces of passerby. Whoever could be behind this wonderful art? Is it someone who learned about the art of “yarn bombing” through Amy Barnes during Art of the Danforth? Some of her students’ “bombs” still adorn poles on the Danforth. To whoever it is, we say thank you. Whatever the reason behind your guerilla crochet, we’re thankful for it and hope it continues.

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Lock up! Rash of bike thefts in this area

Please note that there have been a rash of bike thefts in the neighbourhood.  We are told that thieves have been going into back yards, sheds and garages to steal bikes, so please be sure to lock up!  Remember to report to police any suspicious activity that you might see.  The Toronto Police non-emergency number 416-808-2222.

By the way, did you know that you can report many crimes online?

For more information on safety and crime prevention, contact your local Division: 55 Division (south of Danforth), 54 Division (north of Danforth)

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Know any teenagers with time on their hands this month?

A couple of ideas for teenagers who might be looking for something to do in the next few weeks:

  • Madame Gateaux is running a baking camp from August 13-17 for youth aged 12-17 years, and there are still spots available. The cost is $275. (Think about all the value-add for your family to have your kid turn into a master baker by Labour Day!!)
  • BOMB Wellness is a Community Host for an initiative intended to combat youth inactivity.  As part of their commitment, they are offering 20 5-class passes for youth aged 14-19 for the month of August, for free! Our friend the East End Pioneer wrote about it in detail in a recent post.

Do you have any other ideas?  Please leave a comment!

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At the Market this week: solar power, sock crafts, and samples!

At the Farmers’ Market this week:

  • Learn about renewable energy from Solarshare.
  • Mrs. Darling will be making Socktopuses this week (after being rained out a couple of weeks ago). Bring your lonely socks at 4:30 p.m. for this super-easy craft for all ages!
  • Representative from My Epicure will be on hand showcasing their products with free samples and lemonade.

Best atmosphere of all the markets I do. – Josh Belanger, farmer

As one of the only organic farmers at the market, Belanger’s Organic Farm has a number of loyal customers in the neighbourhood. Josh is a fourth generation farmer;  his great grandfather purchased the land in Hillsdale where the farm still operates. They provide certified organic produce, such as beets, carrots, garlic and potatoes, as well as raised organic meat such as fresh lamb, veal and frozen meat pies. That means that all the animals are fed certified organic food that comes directly from their 200-acre farm.

Josh says that our market has the best atmosphere of all the markets that he does, and he especially appreciates the nice dinners that our volunteer community cooks provide to the farmers (at no cost!). We’re so glad, because we always appreciate the meals that our farmers provide us!

 

The East Lynn Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. between June-October at East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave, just west of Woodbine Ave.