"Art is the New Steel"

Street artists, Art Crawl

One of the best things about exploring Hamilton is how accessible that exploration has become.  Always able to come together as a community, Hamilton is host to a monthly event called Art Crawl.  Taking place on the second Friday of every month, James Street North is the place to be!

Hamilton is and always will be known as “Steel City” because of its industrial past.  And when the city took an economic hit in the late 90s, you only went downtown if you absolutely had to.  Much of downtown was boarded up with closed or failing businesses and focus turned to suburban expansions.  That was the stuff that Hamilton horror stories were made of.

But in the mid-2000s the downtown core enjoyed a bit of a revival with artists, entrepreneurs and business owners flocking to the area and working together to foster Hamilton’s creative spirit.  Vacant warehouses became music venues.  Abandoned storefronts became quirky cafes.  And there is no shortage of bars, pop-up galleries and vintage markets in the architecturally stunning area.  Together the JSN (James St. North) community gave Hamilton a reason to venture back into the heart of the city…and a damned good one at that!  Whether you’re into music, art, or just on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind find, Hamilton’s Art Crawl does not disappoint!

Because of my varying artistic interests, there is always enough to see and do at Art Crawl!  Every Art Crawl is different, featuring countless artists and performers.  These are a few of the spots I’d be sure to check out:

This Ain't Hollywood

                          This Ain’t Hollywod (live music venue) 

                                            345 James St. N

The Baltimore House

              

             

                The Baltimore House (bar/café/music venue) 

                                   43 King William

The Brain

               

         The Brain (bar/cafe/modern art museum/live music venue)

                                         199 James St. N

White Elephant

                        White Elephant (vintage boutique)

                                     133 James St. N

Mulberry Street Coffeehouse

                                               

                 Mulberry Street Coffeehouse (café/restaurant)

                                      193 James St. N

As surprising as the city that hosts it, Art Crawl creates a welcoming atmosphere in which to get to know the artistic hub of Hamilton.  The usual pretentions of the art world are noticeably missing, creating an independent and artistic culture in the city that reflects its very people.  That’s Hamilton for you…you never know what to expect, but you can trust that it’s going to be good!

See you at the next one,

Larysa

For more information on Hamilton Art Crawl festivities, visit:

http://www.jamesstreetnorth.ca

Hamilton's Favourite Cup

Hamilton is a blue collar city, so it’s no wonder that we love our coffee here.  It’s in the blood.  And there is only one cup of coffee that any self-respecting Hamiltonian will buy.  Tim Horton’s, of course!  You can ask any local and you’ll immediately be pointed in the direction of the very first Tim Horton’s store, located on the corner of Ottawa Street North and Dunsmure Road (aka Tim Horton's Way).

Tim Horton's Donut Shop #1, Hamilton (1964)

Originally built in 1964 by Canadian hockey legend Tim Horton, the first donut shop location was operated by Ron Joyce, a former police officer.  Within 3 years, Tim Horton had established several more locations and became full partners with his first franchisee.  And the rest, as they say, is history!  The Tim Horton’s brand is so ingrained in the Canadian landscape, but is first and foremost a point of pride in Hamilton.

Commemorative plaque

Over the years, there have been many changes to the Tim Horton’s location.  In 2014, to mark the 50^th anniversary of the success of the franchise, the original store location was renovated to make room for a second-floor museum where visitors can explore the evolution of the Tim Horton’s brand through the years.  It’s a perfect blend of the brand’s past and it’s future.  

On display in the museum is Tim Horton’s memorabilia from the past 50 years, including:

Museum Displays

• Old city photographs and articles
• Tim Horton’s merchandise
• Employee uniforms
• Serving containers
• ‘Retro’ serving counter and menu boards

I definitely recommend visiting Tim Horton’s Donut Shop #1 in your travels through Hamilton.  Not only can you travel in time to explore the brand’s evolution, but you can grab a Double Double and a Dutchie too!  And it’s always a good time for that!  Drink up!

What is/was your favourite Tim Horton’s product or experience?  Share your comments below.

Until next time,

Larysa

To Market, To Market...

At the very heart of the downtown core is the Hamilton Farmer’s Market, located within Jackson Square.  Originally founded in 1837, the Farmer’s Market has been in its current location next to the Hamilton Public Library since 1980.  The market has always been a favourite sport of mine to visit and explore, and there is no shortage of exotic flavours to savour and gifts to gather.

Hamilton Farmer's Market and Public Library, Downtown Core

In 2011, the Farmer’s Market was completely renovated to accommodate the ever growing number of vendors.  The market is a community gathering place that features:

• 70 vendors
• Fresh foods prepared on site
• Community kitchen for cooking demonstrations and events

Bustling Market

Offering fresh and local produce, meat and cheese delis, coffee stands and sweet treats, artisan gifts, florists and wine…you can find whatever you’re looking for at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market!  Whether you plan on filling your shopping bags (reusable, I hope!) or not, it’s worth checking out for the people-watching alone.

In 2014, The Hamilton Farmer’s Market held a competition to select a permanent Public Art installation to be installed near the east entrance of the Market.  With an aim to identify the location of the Market and express the spirit and qualities of the market to visitors, the art installation was to be reflective of one or more of the following:

• a people place where visitors and stall holders interact to create a welcoming sense of community;
• diverse; offering a unique variety of foods, merchandise and cultural experience;
• a continually evolving community of innovative small businesses;
• a Hamilton institution with a long and rich history that inspires loyalty in the community;
•  a place where Hamiltonians are exposed to, educated about and connect with food and local agriculture

Of the 48 artists’ submissions reviewed by a jury of volunteer citizens and artists, 6 submissions were short-listed for public consultation.  Among the short-listed proposals was a submission by Kosa Kolektiv, a two woman team comprised of my very good friend Olenka Kleban, and her artistic partner, Olenka Hawrylak.  Their submission, entitled “Once Upon a Time in Hamilton Farmer’s Market”, was voted into second place!  The winner of the Art in Public Places competition was Dave Hind with his proposed “Raise the Barn” installation, expected to be installed in Spring 2015.

"Raise the Barn", by Dave Hind

"Once Upon a Time in Hamilton's Farmer's Market", by Kosa Kolektiv

To me the Hamilton Farmer’s Market is more than just a place to shop.  Rather, it’s a hub of cuisine, creativity, and a co-operative and caring atmosphere.  After all, that’s what this city and its people are all about!  Visit once, and I know you’ll make the trip again and again.

See you there!

Larysa

For more information on the happenings of the Hamilton Farmer’s Market, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hamilton-Farmrs-Market-Now/167855153236521

For more information on Olenka Kleban and her assorted artwork, visit:

http://olenkakleban.com