Mother’s Day is around the corner

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation for Mother’s Day, designating the second Sunday of May to be a national holiday. Since then, we have celebrated over 100 years of moms taking care of us 24/7, since we were born.

If you are looking to give back to your mother for all she has helped you with, join the over 80 countries who will celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May.

To help repay some of the debt you owe to your mother consider taking her out for a Mother’s Day brunch on May 8th. Hosted by the RMG in Arthur’s on the 4th with catering provided by Pilar’s Catering. There will be two seatings at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Reservations are required, email czamulinski@rmg.on.ca to secure your spot.

Photo by Brilynn Ferguson

There will be an assortment of fresh pastries and baked goods along with a variety of options for meals and a dessert buffet to follow.

Along with the brunch, we have our regularly scheduled OPG Second Sunday with a special Mother’s Day theme. Children will be creating a unique tile mosaic, a beautiful card and gift wrap for the special person in their lives.

There is no reservation required for OPG Second Sundays, just drop by the RMG from 1pm to 3pm.

Now let’s talk gifts for mom!

Don’t forget to stop by the RMG Shop before May 8 to check out some of these, and more, unique locally made gifts for the special lady in your life including:

Some new supplies for culinary endeavors.

One of these handmade Wizard of Oz themed editions by Kelly Grace.

Some of these fantastic body products by Aide Bodycare.

Or a great Canadian product for your Canadian mom.

Make sure to treat your mom extra special on May 8 and the rest of the year too! Don’t forget about Father’s Day on June 19! The RMG Shop has plenty of locally made dad-friendly gifts.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

There are few jobs in the world that require you to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no breaks. The candidate in question must be a multi-tasker, organized and have superhero-like powers. Did I mention this is an unpaid gig?

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to reward your mom for the chicken soup when you were sick, the priceless advice for your broken heart and the bedtime stories filled with princesses that rivalled the heroine who lifted those words off the page.

We may never be able to truly repay our mothers, but a unique present from the RMG’s gift shop is a great place to start. Check out our mother-approved gift ideas:

A signature piece of jewellery

Fantastic body products!

A catalogue or art book

Delicious tea

A great card

A mug for MOM!

– Raechel Bonomo

Vol ‘n’ Tell is an ongoing series of blog posts written by RMG Volunteers. Raechel Bonomo is an art enthusiast and writer from Oshawa, Ont.

Treat the special women in your life to our Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10^th. In association with Pilar’s Catering, Arthur’s on the 4^th (located in the upstairs of the gallery) will be filled with delicious signature dishes such as French toast with French vanilla whipped cream and raspberry maple syrup or a seared, slow roasted pork loin stuffed with hickory smoked bacon and aged applewood cheddar. Just as good as momma’s cooking!

Tickets are $42.99 for adults, $29.99 for children and kids under four eat for free (gratuities and taxes extra). RSVP to Cheryl-Ann at 905-576-3000 ext. 103 or by email at czamulinski@rmg.on.ca.

The RMG Gift Guide 2014

Vol ‘n’ Tell is an ongoing series of blog posts written by RMG Volunteers. Raechel Bonomo is an Oshawa native, art enthusiast and second-year Print Journalism student at Durham College.

Looking for a great gift this holiday season? Visit the RMG Shop!

To: The host

In many cultures, the pineapple is used as a sign of welcome and hospitality. Why not give this cute (and affordable!) statement piece to your favourite host this holiday season?

$13.00 each

To: The homebody

There are few things better than snuggling up after a long, cold winter day than with a blanket and a cup of tea. For the homebody, interior-design maven, or lover of all things cozy, this 100% wool blanket is the way to go. A bit of a splurge, but totally worth it.

$150.00 each

To: The miss on your list

These handmade, one-of-a-kind necklaces are perfect for the style enthusiast this holiday. They are on-trend, versatile and unique to make any fashionista fill with glee.

$24.00 each

Looking for a gift that is tote-ally amazing? Look no further. These totes are perfect for that fun loving female on your on list.

$22.00 each

To: Mom-to-be or the holiday baby

Perfect for above the new baby’s crib, this plush unicorn head is a fun and offbeat addition to any nursery. Who needs trains anyways?

$45.00 each (other variations include a moose or elephant, not pictured)

To: The tyke in your life

You’re about to become the world’s best aunt/uncle with this Gift in a Tin! Great for travelling, these play-sets fit in a tin suitable for the toddler on-the-go.

$20.00 each (also available: a battery operated train set, not pictured)

To: The comedian

These cards are perfect for the humorous co-worker, in-law or friend. Gift-card not required.

Price varies

To: The man’s man

Don’t know what to get the BBQ master, king of summer, man cave dweller on your list? This handcrafted beer opener is it. At a great price point, this gift is bound to get the party starter.

Images courtesy of Raechel Bonomo.

Volunteer Buzz: A Research Trip

Volunteer Buzz posts are from the desk of Norah O’Donnell, Volunteer Coordinator and Gallery Shop Operations Manager

Visiting a new gallery is an exciting experience! This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the AGH in Hamilton ON and The Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY. The goal of the trip was to learn more about their gift shops, so I planned to meet with staff to talk about best selling products, display ideas, custom products, point of sale systems and more. After planning the route, arranging meetings and packing snacks for the car trip I headed on the road with my coworker Jacquie Severs, Manager of Communications and Social Media.

Working at the RMG has enhanced the way I visit galleries and museums. I no longer just look at artwork and artifacts. Now I am curious about displays, wall labels, and my experience as a visitor. I am always taking mental notes and sharing what I have seen with my coworkers. I’ll save the nitty-gritty details of ordering product and sourcing goods, and show you pictures that I took on my journey, and a little bit about what is showing at these fantastic galleries. Consider visiting them over the summer on your road trips!

First Stop: The AGH

The art we saw:

Nature and Sprit: Emily Carr’s Costal Landscapes. Traces Emily Carr’s evolution as an artist and includes many of the painter’s recognized masterpieces.

By Popular Demand presents works from the AGH collections, which are well-known and recognizable.

The Shop:

We have Hilborne Pottery too! And it is very popular in Hamilton as well.

On to The Albright Knox Art Gallery

Modern_wing_albright_kno-albright_knox_art_gallery-3000000016701-500x375

The art we saw:

The AK has a stunning collection of post-war American and European art. Exceptional works by Brancusi, Warhol, Judd, Pollock and more!

Wish You Were Here: The Buffalo Avant-garde in the 1970s explored the creative community of Buffalo in the 1970s. Interesting work by Cindy Sherman!

The Shop

And us, reflected in a sculpture by Brancusi!