Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Freelance)

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.

Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

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

Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

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

Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

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

Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

“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

Videocast produced for Scout Design, a creative design firm set in The County (camwoodMedia)

Scout Design, located in Prince Edward County, invades Kelly’s Shop in Picton.

René Dick, owner of Scout Design, explains how and why the blue and red came to invade Picton in the summer of 2007.

This is Scout Design’s Web 2.0 story.

Official website: Scout Design

Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

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

Video produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

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

Podcast produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

During a boating trip through France in January, John and Geri Della Bosca came across a company called Lunor.

Lunor specializes in pre-cooked vegetables – “retort packaging” which means the vegetables are vacuum sterilized, destroying all bacteria.

With a shelf-life of one calendar year, this method enables consumers to store these vegetables at room temperature, eliminating the tin can and the excess water that comes with it.

John says the plant itself can be scaled to accommodate the size of agriculture in Prince Edward County.

“I think farmer-owned means the farmer is in on the processing, process makes the money. So why shouldn’t the farmer be involved in that?” added John.

John says it’s important that the farmer see the process through to the consumer.

Listen to podcast:

Podcast produced for www.BuildANewLife.ca, a website developed by Prince Edward County’s Economic Development Office (Internship)

Brian Beiles moved to The County for the “retirement stage” of his life and hasn’t slowed down since.

After the firm he was working for in Toronto shut down, Brian decided to move his mobile consulting business in The County.

Thanks to the Internet and the short-drive to Toronto, Brian and his wife are mixing quality of life with business.

Brian says since moving to The County, he and his wife have found that they’ve been involved in various initiatives in The County on a volunteer basis.

He has been on the committee for the successful county Jazz Festival for the past three years, has done pro-bono consulting work for Taste the County and some organizational and development work for Public Works.

He currently sits on the Prince Edward County Arts Council as vice-chair.

Listen to podcast: