Catch the Wind art gallery, gift shop represents dream come true for proprietors
Shepody – Diana Paterson’s dream has come true and the ardor in her voice reveals sheer happiness.
She and her husband Art have bid farewell to the clamour of big city life to own and operate Catch the Wind, a soothing coffee shop, art gallery and gift boutique in Shepody, four miles south of The Hopewell Rocks on Route 114 in Albert County.
“This is what I wanted, to retire and be comfortable in my surroundings and with my neighbours,” said Paterson, a 59-year-old dynamo who previously worked as a human resources manager, administrative assistant and environmental health and safety co-ordinator for International Paper in Michigan.
“I wanted a store that would offer gifts for everyone in the family at a low price. I wanted a place where tourists and local people could come and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee or team and enjoy the scenery we have here. I also wanted to offer a place for local artists to show their work.”
Catch the Wind opened last August, but full operations are just starting this year. As the tourism season heats up, Paterson is optimistic the store will attract its share of visitors.
The gift shop is located in the former 324-square-foot living room of the 150-year-old farm house. Nautical items, jewelry, crafts, Victorian ware, brass and wooden artifacts and folk art are featured.
Paintings by Barb Haire of nearby Riverside-Albert are also on display.
“She is not well-known yet, but she does some amazing work that everyone should see,” Paterson said. “Some of her folk art paintings of seascapes are done on pots, pans and dishes. They’re beautifully done.”
The front porch of the store serves as the coffee shop, where coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks are served. A six-foot tall wooden statue of an old sea captain stands on the porch and serves as a conversation piece for visitors. “I call him Captain Albert because that was my father’s name and we’re in Albert County.”
Seats on the porch offer a spectacular view of Shepody Bay and historic Grindstone Island.
The art gallery shows the photographic art of Art Paterson, 58, and paintings by Moncton artist David Whittaker. Both specialize in landscape and seascape offerings with several examples on display.
“Sharing our love for this area with locals and visitors in a store like this is a dream come true for the two of us,” said Art Paterson.
Catch the Wind is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
from NBBusinessJournal.CanadaEast.com © 2008
