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Whistler’s Audain Art Museum Presents a Ground-Breaking Celebration of Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast
Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of women to the rich tradition of carving wood and argillite on the Northwest Coast. This ground-breaking exhibition at the Audain Art Museum (AAM) in Whistler will showcase over 125 remarkable works that intertwine traditional knowledge with artistic innovation.
‘Curve!’ seeks to celebrate and elevate the contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated field.Co-curated by 2023 Audain Prize Winner Dana Claxton and AAM Director & Chief Curator Curtis Collins, this exhibition will display an impressive collection of masks, panels, poles and bowls on loan from public and private collections across North America. Curve! will feature 14 women carvers active from the 1950s to the present day, highlighting their pivotal roles within the indigenous carving traditions of British Columbia.
Ellen Neel (1916-1966), Freda Diesing (1925-2002), and Doreen Jensen (1933-2009), three iconic artists on the Northwest Coast, serve as historic context for this extensive exhibition. Their contributions paved the way for subsequent generations of carvers and left an indelible mark on carving in this province. Susan Point, Dale Marie Campbell, and Marianne Nicolson represent a group of highly accomplished senior artists, while Marika Echachis Swan, Morgan Asoyuf, Cori Savard, Stephanie Anderson, Veronica Waechter, Arlene Ness, Cherish Alexander, and Melanie Russ represent emerging/mid-career talents that continue to push carving traditions forward.
Dana Claxton says, “Curve! brings together artists whose practices sustain cultural ways of being in the world. From spirit to matter – these magnificent and magical art works are tied to the ancients.”
Curtis Collins, Director & Chief Curator of the AAM, explains, “The Museum is honoured to be hosting such a comprehensive exhibition that explores carving traditions among indigenous women from communities throughout the Northwest Coast.”
Accompanying the exhibition will be a hard-cover book issued by Figure 1 Publishers in Vancouver. This publication features texts by Dana Claxton, Skeena Reece, and Marika Echachis Swan; and interviews with renowned artists Mary Anne Barkhouse and Dale Marie Campbell conducted by Curtis Collins. The book will document over 75 years of artistic production, complete with full-colour images of the works by the 14 featured artists.
Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast seeks to celebrate and elevate the contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. This exhibition is made possible in part thanks to the support of Presenting Sponsor TD Bank Group (TD), and will be on display in Whistler from November 23, 2024, to May 5, 2025.
In addition to TD Bank Group (TD), this exhibition is supported by Major Sponsor the Audain Foundation, Publication Sponsor Dixon Mitchell, Government Partner BC Arts Council, Supporting Sponsor YP Heung Foundation, Additional Support from McCarthy Tetrault and Yosef Wosk Family Foundation, and Hotel Partner Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
About the Audain Art Museum
Established in 2016, the Museum was founded via a major philanthropic gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa. The Permanent Collection is focused on the art of British Columbia, exemplifying the richness of cultural difference in Canada. Highlights include hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen, an exceptional collection of historical and contemporary Indigenous art, a comprehensive selection of paintings by Emily Carr and a brilliant range of works by Vancouver’s photo-conceptualists. The Museum hosts numerous special exhibitions per year that feature artists and collections of national as well as international significance.
SOURCE Audain Art Museum
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Give the Gift of Connection with Pluzzles: The Collectible Plush Toys Perfect for the Holidays!
With the holiday season approaching, finding the perfect gift for kids, collectors, and even “kidults” can be challenging. Enter Yoonique’s Pluzzles—a new line of collectible plush animals that combine creativity, quality, and a fun twist on traditional stuffed toys. Awarded the 2024 National Parenting Products Award (NAPPA) for “Best Toy,” Pluzzles are not just plush animals but adorable, connectable companions that invite endless possibilities for expanding and rearranging your collection.
Pluzzles offer six different series featuring unique characters, each made with super-soft, squishy 3D stuffing, colorful corduroy accents, and pellet beads for a cozy feel. Designed to “connect” as you collect, each character has a puzzle-piece hangtag that physically links with other characters, forming a larger visual puzzle. Available in a range of sizes, from a handy 4” clip-on to a sizable 16” plush, they’re perfect for all ages, whether for cuddling, decorating, or creating a plush display.
Series like Chloe and Her BFFs, Brights, and others themed around fruits, sports, fantasy, and seasons offer something for every personality. The Brights collection, for instance, is filled with vibrant animal friends like the Blue Elephant, Pink Leopard, and Teal Gorilla, each designed to bring a pop of color and joy to any collection. As one NAPPA evaluator noted, “The quality of these plush toys is great. Each puzzle piece is a different breed of dog, and the coloring, ear, tail, and nose shapes are impressively accurate.”
Founded in 2024 by toy industry veteran Jeanne Yoon, Yoonique brings over 100 years of plush toy expertise, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship with every Pluzzle. This customer-first company strives to deliver delightful and unique toys that stand out, with designs based in Los Angeles and production in Jining, China.
With a starting MSRP of $5, Pluzzles provide an affordable way to build a collection. Cleaning is easy with just a cloth, lukewarm water, and mild soap, making them a practical choice for young children and parents alike. So this holiday season, make gift-giving fun and interactive with Pluzzles, the plush toys that connect hearts, creativity, and collections!
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D is for Dogs: A Charming Alphabet Adventure for Little Dog Lovers
D is for Dogs is an engaging alphabet board book from the BabyLit series, illustrated by Greg Paprocki in his signature retro mid-century style. This delightful book introduces young readers to a range of dog breeds—from big and bold to small and snuggly—that they might encounter in their neighborhood or see on TV. Each page bursts with playful, vibrant illustrations, depicting athletic dogs running in the park, sleepy dogs dozing off, and even hungry pups enjoying a snack. The charm of Paprocki’s illustrations, which appeals to both kids and adults, makes this book a favorite for families.
Greg Paprocki is an award-winning illustrator, designer, and children’s book author, well-known for his detailed and expressive work. Since launching his ABC board book series with Gibbs Smith in 2016, he has captivated young audiences, selling over 750,000 copies worldwide. Beyond books, Paprocki collaborates with brands like Ravensburger and the Palm Springs store Just Fabulous, creating everything from puzzles to merchandise.
With D is for Dogs, Greg Paprocki brings a heartwarming and visually stunning experience to children learning the alphabet, making it a perfect gift for little dog lovers and their families.
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Award-Winning Author Releases Book Two in Teenage Fantasy Adventure Trilogy
Award-winning author Nadine Haruni’s second installment of her teenage fantasy trilogy, The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal, is launching this fall and promises an exhilarating journey for readers of all ages. As Ryan Rigbee puts on extraordinary hats and explores a magical portal, he encounters incredible adventures and profound life lessons from Merlo, a family mentor. However, his enthusiasm for sharing these adventures with others causes him to overlook the hidden dangers that thoroughly surprise him.
In her first novel for middle-grade (and older) readers, The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee, award-winning author Nadine Haruni introduced readers to Ryan Rigbee, a 13-year-old loner reeling from losing his dad who forms an unexpected bond with Merlo. The enchanted hats Ryan puts on before bedtime magically transform him into the role of the hat-wearer, and he is drawn into a world filled with nightly action-packed adventures with his dog, Shadow. In the trilogy’s second installment, The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal (November 2024; ISBN: 979-8-890220139-1), Haruni takes Ryan’s adventures to an exciting and dangerous new level.
The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal follows Ryan, his trusted dog Shadow, and his mentor Merlo, the magician turned proprietor of Harry’s Haberdashery, as they continue to explore the power of all kinds of hats—from sombreros and berets to an astronaut’s helmet—transporting them to incredible places worldwide (and beyond) and back in time.
Ryan experiences many harrowing adventures, including narrowly escaping being trampled by a herd of angry beasts during the Running of the Bulls event in Spain, barely surviving a violent mob on Bastille Day in France, and having a dangerous run-in with a band of angry pirates—with only moments to spare on the portal’s timer. In an interview, Haruni can talk about the following:
- How her books address various social-emotional learning (SEL) topics, allowing children to see themselves or their friends in the stories.
- Where the first installment of The Hat Diaries leaves off and where the second book continues.
- What are the differences between writing her first five-book series (Freeda the Frog) for little children, as compared to dreaming up the second of her third pre-teen sci-fi fantasy (The Hat Diaries), and how it is to change writing styles for different audiences.
- Why it’s important to encourage young people to read and write, and consider starting to journal.
- What you need to know to start writing your own book.
About the Author
Nadine Haruni is the award-winning author known for her captivating The Hat Diaries™ fantasy adventure series and the beloved Freeda the Frog™ children’s books. The second installment in The Hat Diaries trilogy, The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal, follows the success of The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee. This trilogy, aimed at teens and adults, invites readers to explore the imaginative world of Ryan’s secret adventures. Meanwhile, the Freeda the Frog series offers stories centered on acceptance and provides comfort for children navigating real-life challenges.
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New Book SURF THERAPY Wins 2024 Surf Park Summit Award
Hatherleigh Press is thrilled to announce that Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-Being by Cash Lambert has been awarded the Democratization & Accessibility Award at the 2024 Surf Park Summit. This accolade recognizes organizations and individuals who are working towards making the sport of surfing accessible to everyone, regardless of access or ability.
Surf Therapy explores the profound benefits of surfing as a therapeutic tool, combining personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and practical advice. Through his extensive research, Lambert demonstrates how the ocean can serve as a sanctuary for healing and growth, inspiring readers to harness the therapeutic potential of the waves.
The Surf Park Summit, held annually, is a pivotal event for surf park operators, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to gather and discuss the future of surfing and its accessibility.
Surf Therapy has already garnered praise for its heartfelt message and practical insights, resonating with both seasoned surfers and those new to the sport. Kris Primacio, CEO of the International Surf Therapy Organization, says Surf Therapy “expertly balances storytelling with scientific rigor, making complex concepts accessible to both the seasoned surf therapy practitioner and the armchair adventurer.”
For media inquiries, review copies, or to schedule interviews with Cash Lambert, please contact Ryan Tumambing at 347-627-0083 or publicity@hatherleighpress.com
. About the Author
Cash Lambert is the author of Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism, as well as the Founder and Director of Editorial for American Surf Magazine. A former editor for Hawaii’s Freesurf Magazine, his articles have been featured in ESPN Outdoors, Surfing Magazine, Eastern Surf Magazine, the Outdoor Channel, Surfline, Stab Magazine, Flux, Patagonia and more. Cash lives with his wife and daughter in Florida.
Surf Therapy
Written by Cash Lambert
978-1-57826-994-5, $20.00 paperback
978-1-961293-01-4, $9.99 ebookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com -
Cozy Up Your Family with Bellabu Bear Bamboo Pajamas and Blanket Gifts
Finding the perfect family gift can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for something that combines comfort, style, and a touch of thoughtfulness. Bellabu Bear’s bamboo pajamas and blankets offer the ideal solution for holiday gifting, making them a fantastic choice for any family that values wellness, sustainability, and cozy nights together.
Bellabu Bear’s collection of bamboo pajamas is designed with the health and comfort of both adults and children in mind. Made from organically grown, chemical-free bamboo, these pajamas are recognized by the National Eczema Association for their gentle touch on sensitive skin. The bamboo fabric used in these pajamas is not only soft but also breathable and thermo-regulating, making it perfect for any climate. Whether you’re lounging by the fire or getting ready for bed, these pajamas keep you warm without overheating, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
For women, Bellabu Bear offers stylish bamboo pajamas that blend functionality with elegance. The set includes a scoop neck, long-sleeve top with snaps for easy breastfeeding, and jogger-style pants with deep pockets—perfect for keeping essentials like your phone or snacks close by. The waistband is super soft for added comfort, making these pajamas ideal for lounging or a peaceful night’s sleep. The bamboo fabric’s luxurious softness is complemented by its hypoallergenic and moisture-absorbing properties, making it a go-to for anyone with sensitive skin.
Children’s pajamas from Bellabu Bear are equally thoughtful, featuring fun and festive designs like the Sugar Cookies Bamboo Convertible Footie. This cozy onesie comes with innovative features such as a two-way zipper for easy changes and slip-resistant grips on the feet for added safety. With hand covers to protect against accidental scratches, these pajamas are perfect for babies and toddlers. The bamboo material ensures that your little ones stay comfy throughout the night without feeling too hot, making it ideal for chilly winter evenings or festive family gatherings.
For men, Bellabu Bear offers a bamboo pajama set that’s both playful and practical. Featuring the same sugar cookie print that ties the whole family together, this set includes a crew neck long-sleeve top and jogger-style pants with deep pockets. The waistband is designed for maximum comfort, and the bamboo fabric ensures that you stay cozy while enjoying a holiday movie marathon or lounging at home with family.
No family gift is complete without something everyone can snuggle up in together, and Bellabu Bear’s Sugar Cookies Bamboo Blanket is the ultimate addition to your cozy nights in. This blanket, made from the same soft and breathable bamboo fabric, features festive sugar cookie designs that add a touch of holiday cheer to your living room or bedroom. It’s generously sized, making it perfect for wrapping up by the fire, reading stories, or watching a favorite holiday movie with the whole family. The double-layer reversible design offers bamboo rayon on one side and sherpa on the other for added warmth and comfort.
Beyond the luxurious materials and thoughtful design, Bellabu Bear’s products are Oeko-Tex Certified, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Each item is also tagless, eliminating any potential irritations, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, Bellabu Bear is committed to giving back, with a portion of every purchase supporting charities dedicated to children, animals, and the environment. This adds a layer of heart to every gift, knowing your choice makes a positive impact.
Incorporating Bellabu Bear’s bamboo pajamas and blanket into your holiday gift-giving means offering your loved ones not only comfort but also a product that promotes wellness and environmental consciousness. Whether it’s a cozy night in with your partner or a festive family gathering, Bellabu Bear makes it easy to celebrate the season in style, comfort, and sustainability.
