Charlottetown PEI Excels with the Diaspora Tapestry Exhibition

Tapestry welcomed by PEI Caledonian Society Chief, Eleanor Boswell [solo left below] and a host of Dignitaries



PEI always does it well. After all, it's the Cradle of Confederation. And now it's reached by an 8 mile bridge, Confederation Bridge, one of Canada's finest engineering achievements of the 20th Century. Jenny Bruce [centre above], the Tour Director, had driven the tapestry all the way herself from Toronto - to savour The Fall and The Foliage - and was not disappointed. In Charlottetown the team of local stitchers for this exhibition in the 'Concourse of the Confederation Centre of the Arts' was led by Mary Gallant [right above] with valiant support from husband Paul, Aggi-Rose Reddin and Myrna Babineau [left above]. Myrna is the President of the PEI Scottish Settlers Historical Society.

you can click on the pictures to enlarge them


The dignity of the occasion was ensured by the presence of The Honorable Lieutenant Governor Frank Lewis [third from left below] with his wife Dorothy [to his left]; the others from the left are Hon Alan McIsaac, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries [himself a stitcher]; Peter Beven Baker, Leader of PEI's Green Party; Jenny Bruce, Tour Director; Mary Gallant, PEI Stitchers' Team Leader; Hon Wayne Easter, Ottawa MP for PEI - who extended best wishes and congratulations from Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Mayor Richard Collins of Montague. This galaxy of dignitaries entered, led by a young piper Jordon Chowen directly to the gallery and the welcoming crowd of guests and all the PEI embroiderers. The embroiderers also got a 'Promise' [since honoured second picture below] - Tea and a Tour of Government House on the 19th with the Lieutenant Governor.

The exhibition venue is truly splendid as can be seen from all the pictures, and the glass cabinet cases show off the panels to great advantage.






Below here: Organizers show Pioneer’s First House. Stitched by Prince Edward Islanders, it’s one of five panels that have travelled around the world as part of Scottish Diaspora exhibition, now on display at Confederation Centre of the Arts. From left are Mary J. Gallant, Tapestry Committee Chairwoman, Aggi-Rose Reddin, Co-organizer, and Myrna Babineau, President of the P.E.I. Scottish Settlers Historical Society.



.... and finally, PEI's Provincial Premier, a Scottish descendant if ever there was one, Hon. Wade MacLauchlan, gets his chance to see the artwork and stands tall right in front of the PEI collection of panels with local team leader Mary Gallant to his left. To his right Jenny Bruce, Tour Director and Duncan McIntosh.


... and next we're off to New Glasgow, Nova Scotia! It's on display at the Glasgow Square Theatre, 155 Glasgow Street - there from November 7th/ 12th, hosted by Troy MacCulloch with Jenny Bruce in support.

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Ed: Yes, I confess to a very soft spot for PEI having taught Summer School there at UPEI and worked for the PEI's Market Development Centre later. But New Glasgow beckons ...