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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

The Mother’s Day Gift Guide

This post comes from the desk of Norah O’Donnell, Volunteer Co-ordinator & Gift Shop Operations.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re setting up for our annual Spring Fling Sale at the RMG Shop on Thursday, 8 May. As head of Gift Shop Operations, I often see guests torn between products, searching for that special gift. For mom, it must be unique, expressing your love and gratitude for everything she has done. At the RMG Shop, there is something to suit everyone’s taste – we carry a wide variety of handmade and locally-sourced products, one of which could be the perfect gift for mom!

This year, let me be your personal shopper – here are my top five choices for that ultimate Mother’s Day gift, straight from the RMG Shop:

Aide Bodycare – the Ultimate Handmade Spa Package

Aide Bodycare offers a variety of handmade soaps, scrubs and lipbalms that are perfect for pampering mom. Soaps are created using the traditional cold-process technique and feature such popular scents as Vintage Rose, Lavender and Organic Oatmeal, and Sweet Orange. What makes them even better? Owner, Michelle Treen, makes all products on location in Bowmanville.

Filipa Pimentel Ceramics – Classic Ceramics

A featured member of Ontario Craft, Filipa Pimentel creates beautiful ceramic pieces that are a mix of functional tableware and decorative art. The RMG Shop features her textured line that includes pitchers, serving bowls and bud vases. Each work is unique and influenced by her love for the ocean. These would be a treat to any mother’s home.

Bella Accessories – The Statement Piece

For those looking for jewellery ideas, the Bella Accessory line has many styles to choose from, making it perfect for the fashionista mom! My personal favourite is the chunky bib necklace made of woven red, orange and gray ribbons – it makes a great addition to any wardrobe and can be paired with a matching bracelet for that extra pop of colour!

Tealish Tea – Give the Gift of Tea!

Who doesn’t love a good cup of tea? Based in Toronto, Tealish makes gifting easy with their loose-leaf tea canisters in a variety of flavours including Toasty Almond, Sweet Macaroon, Dulce De Leche and Chocolate Loves Strawberry.

Filou Designs – Charming Accessories

Mom will treasure these timeless necklaces forever. Fiona Louie, of Vancouver, creates wearable works of art by transforming her own sketches into solid sterling silver necklace charms. Her signature style includes cut-out silhouettes of whimsical bicycles, anchors, fortune cookies and more.

Join us on Thursday, 8 May from 10 am – 7 pm for our annual Spring Fling Sale in the RMG Shop. For one day only, receive discounts of 10-50% off select merchandise!

Mother’s Day at the RMG

From family art activities, relaxing yoga for all ages, a classic brunch in our restaurant, Arthur’s on the 4^th, to thoughtful gifts in our shop, the RMG has you covered! For details on our Mother’s Day events, click here. For our Mother’s Day edition of OPG Second Sundays, click here.