SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A Summerside-based business is hoping to keep its legacy of Island treasures alive by opening a storefront that will operate year-round.
The Hive Nurturing the Creative Self is owned and operated by Kim Barton. It opened in the spring/summer of 2018 at Spinnakers’ Landing, offering a platform for artisans to form a collective and showcase their products.
Barton is now working to set up a store at the former Island Memory Gifts shop, 216 Water St., in downtown Summerside. The gift shop closed on Dec. 1 after 10 years of operation.
“Now local artisans can be featured all year long and showcase their products,” said Barton.
Hugo Rousseaux-Bridle, who creates the pen and ink works of Hugo Bo Arts, is one of those artists.
“Moving into a space that’s open all year round lends not just to supporting local artisans, but also supporting local shoppers not just tourism,” he said.
Rousseaux-Bridle’s art focuses on portrait work, including animals.
“I was really inspired by the wildlife on P.E.I.”
Spinnakers’ Landing is a major tourist destination in the peak season. But it tends to showcase to a very specific industry.
Barton said she hasn’t decided if she will also open a store at the landing this summer.
“The summer was great. We started with 10 consignees and now we have 45. The response to supporting local artisans was 100 per cent.”
Barton’s daughter Hannah, who worked in the store during the summer said it was a successful experience with room to grow.
“We’ve learned a lot.”
Social Media
The Hive
Hugo Bo Arts
Looking to the future, Barton said the space will allow artisans to work in-house while customers are also in the store.
Barton, who paints as well as upcycles old furniture, will store some of the items she’s working on at the store too.
“It will give us the ability to show the customers what we’re working on, the process and the end result.
“We also want to host workshops, showcases and other activities to get people involved.”
Barton said most if not all consignees are returning to the store.
Right now, there isn’t a firm opening date, but Barton hopes to have the doors open for business come mid-to-late March.
“It’s a matter of getting the products here. We have items stored at our home up west as well as some at the Landing. The icy weather has made access to them difficult.”
Barton is excited to get the ball running and provide authentic Island treasures.
“It won’t have that same stock look. There will always be something new and products moving.”
For more information about The Hive, head to their Facebook page Facebook.com/thehivenurturingthecreativeself or the official website: thehivenurturingthecreativeself.ca.
