Journey through the past and discover the economic history that has shaped Prince Edward County into what is known as today’s Creative Rural Economy.

This video feature/documentary on the Economic Evolution of Prince Edward County was created for Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office for the public launch of www.BuildANewLife.ca

The public launch was held on June 20, 2008 at ClearWater Design in Picton.

Graham Davies, owner of The Bald Photographer Studio & Gallery in Cherry Valley, has been in the world of photography since the age of 15.

Having spent over 20 years in the British press as a photojournalist, Graham turned to his true love, hand-printed black and white photography.

In the early 1990s, Graham and his wife Janet moved from England to Toronto for a change of scenery. After six years in Canada’s largest city and weekend trips to The County, Graham and Janet decided a change of lifestyle was in order.

With a successful studio and gallery in Prince Edward County, Graham says he couldn’t find the life he’s currently living anywhere else.

Official website: The Bald Photographer Studio & Gallery

Paulette Greer, curator and owner of SideStreet Gallery in the village of Wellington says her love of art dates back to when she was a child growing up in The County.

With a passion for art and history, Paulette found the perfect location to open up her gallery.

SideStreet Gallery is situated on the top floor of a building that dates back to the early 1860’s.

Paulette says it’s important for people to know that Wellington and The County has a lot to offer.

At the moment SideStreet Gallery showcases 70 artists, of which 90 per cent of them are artists from The County.

Official website: SideStreet Gallery

Bill Reddick’s boyhood dream became a reality.

Over 20 years ago, while attending Queen’s University in Kingston, Bill stumbled across Prince Edward County and says he was “overwhelmed with the beauty, the architecture, the age of the place and the combination of the water and rural land.”

Shortly there after, Bill decided it was time to do something about that dream, and he did.

One dilapidated schoolhouse later, he is one of Canada’s most recognized names in the world of pottery.

Recently this Picton-based potter was invited to design dinnerware for Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Bill has also created Canada’s state dinnerware, “The Maple Leaf Service” which was commissioned by former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul.

It is the official porcelain service for Rideau Hall.

Official website: Bill Reddick – Reddick Studio Porcelain

After living in the urban setting of Toronto for several years, Peta Hall decided it was time for a change.

Peta grew up in South Africa, and has lived in the U.K., Europe and the Far East.

Location has always played an integral role when it comes to how it affects her pottery. Peta says her move to The County was a lifestyle choice, but ended up benefiting her professionally.

She says moving to The County “fed her soul” and that her work now reflects it.

Peta Hall Gallery isn’t the only place where you can find her work. She is also showcased in several galleries across Ontario.

Official website: Peta Hall Gallery

“If you want a formula for a successful retirement – you have to avoid three things; bridge, golf and sailing,” says Alan Gratias, investor, creator and inventor.

The 61-year-old businessman/retiree hasn’t slowed down since he retired at age 49, after working two decades as a trade negotiator with Agriculture Canada.

As a retiree, Alan says that when he wakes up, it’s important for him to have something to do.

Alan is the inventor of Gravitas the Game – The little box of big questions, which is in its second printing, and he’s currently in negotiations for a lifestyle/reality show based on the game.

He is also owner of Arts on Main Gallery in downtown Picton.

At the moment (May 2008), Alan and his partner, Joanie Hilborn are involved in The Merrion Square Un-model project in Ottawa. The Un-model project has Alan and Joanie (a designer), creating their own “model-home,” the way they would do it.

Currently, Alan and Joanie are working on developing their Crumbling House wine “Deo Gratias” at Cressy House, located on the eastern edge of Prince Edward County.

An accomplished renovator – Cressy House, is a 200-year-old Loyalist farmhouse, one of the many “crumbling houses” Alan has saved throughout the years.

Official websites:
Gravitas the Game – The little box of big questions
Arts on Main Gallery

After being “seduced” by The County while looking for a cottage, Carlyn Moulton and her partner Barbara Basille, owners of Oeno Gallery found themselves buying property and turning their passion into their business.

Located on Old Orchard Road in Carrying Place, Oeno Gallery showcases artists from the region, across Canada and around the world.

Carlyn says one of the reasons they came to The County is because of its thriving art scene, noting that Prince Edward County has more artists per capita in Ontario than Toronto.

Oeno Gallery is one of 22 destinations you can experience on The County’s newly launched Arts Trail.

Official website: Oeno Gallery

What happens when you mix a metropolis like Toronto and The County? You get Indulgence Spa & Salon.

Owners Deb Izumi of Toronto and “county girl” Jen Kuipers are quick to point out their business wouldn’t survive in the big city.

Located in the village of Wellington, Indulgence Spa & Salon sits right on the shore of Lake Ontario. “It’s all about ambiance,” says Deb Izumi.

Both Deb and Jen say they’re currently looking to take Indulgence “to the next level,” expanding to three or four treatment rooms.

That “next level” would also mean Indulgence Spa & Salon’s inclusion as a member of The Association of Premier Spas of Ontario.

Official website: Indulgence Spa & Salon

The story of Marilyn Carson doesn’t start on the farm, but in the office.

After years of working sales, retail and management, Marilyn traded in her business suit for a pair of overalls.

Carson Bay Farms is a second-generation farm, which specializes in producing top quality Limousin beef and is located on the northeast end of Prince Edward County.

She says Limousin beef is her husband Craig’s area of expertise while she mainly concentrates on poultry and eggs.

Marilyn doesn’t spend all her time on the farm. She is quick to point out she loves being out in the public and networking in the community.

Official website: Carson Bay Farms

John and Geri Della Bosca had two choices when they retired: buy a condominium and walk down to the Yacht club every day, or live in the city. Five years later, they find themselves running Stone House Farm, a successful organic farm located on County Road 15 in Picton.

Stone House Farm offers a range of produce, including 14 different lettuces, which they call their “healthy mix,” watercress, seven different varieties of potatoes, and their county-renown eggs and tomatoes.

John is also secretary for the Prince Edward County chapter of Canadian Organic Growers, one of 15 chapters throughout Canada.

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