The Shell Survivor House (Maggie Schmidt-Mandel’s House) was repaired and redecorated by Ann Durkee and her husband David MacIsaac. It was originally rescued by Roanne and Ed Collier and Ed re-assembled the house.

The house was relocated by the Clock Tower on Water Street. Ann and David  put plexiglass in the windows (donated by Apple Glass), with a floor, so it is quite weather proof. It was redecorated as a Beach House, with some very personal and endearing touches. The house was locked to ensure that the inside contents were not removed, but it is was easy to see inside from the back window.

Thank you to all that helped this house to survive, and to the Tim Horton’s employee that said she would keep an eye on the house on her  3pm to 11pm shift and pass the word on to other employees and to the lady that went out to the beach and collected more shells for the house.

There was a dedication ceremony on August 7th.

Although many thought that Maggie Mandell’s Maudified house at the was demolished (or blown out to sea), this little house survived. Sure, it was damaged and in several pieces, but Ed and Roanne Collier went out the night of the storm and rescued the house. Since then, Ed has put the house back together, replacing a few broken pieces of wood. Right now, the outside is in pretty good shape and will receive some touch ups and more shells. Alas, the magnificent artwork inside the house is not repairable so the walls will be stripped and simply painted.

The great news is that the house survived. When it’s re-installed (in a different location) there will be a wee ceremony dedicating this house to all survivors. And it will still be part of the auction at Th’YARC on Sept. 14! Symbolically, this Shell House Survivor represents stories of all survivors–whether from disease, accidents, abuse, addictions, and life calamities of all sorts. Their lives and stories continue. With this in mind, the proceeds from the sale of this house at the auction will be used to launch a new Art Scholarship Fund for students who are enrolled in art courses at a Community College or University.

Stay tuned to learn when the house will be reinstalled.

Well, it’s about to happen. Sandra Phiney’s book is rolling off the presses and will be launched a the AGNS Wednesday June 18 between 6-8 p.m.  She’d love to see you there. Sandra calls it a “wee book” but although it’s relatively small (8.5 in. x 5.5 in; 108 pages) it is loaded with 190 photos. 

Titled Maud Lewis and the “Maudified” House Project–the Story Starts Here,  Sandra says on page 5, “This book is primarily a photo documentary of the “Maudified” house project and the artists who were involved. Readers will also find some interesting information about Maud Lewis, a few stories from people who knew her, and other odds and sods related to this amazing woman. The book also celebrates the importance of volunteers, and shows how a community can rally around a common goal and make things happen.” 

Aside from enjoying refreshments and camaraderie at the book launch, you’ll also have a chance to view a TV documentary that CBC produced in 1965 titled “The Once Upon a Time World of Maud Lewis.”  The Friends of the AGNS (Yarmouth) purchased the film and will be showing it at half hour intervals throughout the launch. It’s a great chance to see live footage of Maud and Everett in their home in Marshalltown.

Hope to see you at the launch!

TOWN OF YARMOUTH SPORTING A “MAUDIFIED” LOOK

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, June 5, 2014

For folk art aficionados in Canada (and further afield), Maud Lewis is a household name. Yet most people are not aware that this renowned artist’s roots are in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The Friends of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) Western Branch Society intend to change that. They’ve just launched the “Maudified” house project, which consists of placing 11 miniature painted houses-inspired by Maud Lewis-at various sites in Yarmouth.

“The purpose of the project,” says Wendy Majestic, VP of the Society and project co-ordinator, “is to draw attention to Maud’s amazing story, and to let the world know that her story starts here. We also want to celebrate the  artistic talent in the region, beautify the town and to raise funds for children’s programming at the art gallery-so it’s a many-sided affair.

It all started last January when local civic and corporate sponsors funded the project. Scores of volunteers assembled and primed the houses. Then 16 artists and nine students from Plymouth School applied their magic during the winter. The mini-houses were recently installed at various locations and will remain at their sites until they are auctioned off at Th’YARC, a local community theatre, on September 14. (The students’ house is part of a raffle with the draw on the same date.)

The diminutive Maud met and married a fish pedlar, Everett Lewis, in 1938. They lived in a small 13 ft. 6 in x 12 ft. 6 in. house in Marshalltown, Digby County. With no plumbing or electricity, and despite the hardships and challenges she faced-including debilitating rheumatoid arthritis-Maud found joy through painting. Her art spilled over onto everything from dustpans and scallop shells, to the walls and windows of her home.

In Yarmouth, many activities are planned during the summer and fall focused on Maud Lewis. Currently a Maud Lewis Homecoming exhibit is at the AGNS Yarmouth location, including three documentaries about the late folk artist that can be viewed during opening hours. A self guided tour of pinpointing the locations of the “Maudified” houses is also available, and local author Sandra Phinney has published Maud Lewis and the Maudified House Project: The Story Starts Here, which will be launched at the AGNS (Yarmouth) on June 18. Story circles are also planned, as well as a Maud Lewis Festival this fall.

To see all Maudified House  posts click on Maudified House Project in the Categories box to the right side of screen.

The Maudified House on Water/Commercial Street has been moved to a more public exposed site on Main Street. It is now in its own little yard next to Emin’s and across from the skateboard park. Many more people will now see this house both walking and driving. Thanks to all who helped with the move.

On the move

Its own little lot

To see all Maudified House  posts click on Maudified House Project in the Categories box to the right side of screen.

Saturday, May 24th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Starts at the Yarmouth County Museum at 2 p.m. with Town Crier David Ollie. He’ll then lead us to Town Hall, where Mayor Pam Mood will cut the ribbon on a “Maudified” House. Next … to Alma Square/the AGNS to visit the Maud Lewis Homecoming Exhibit followed by enjoying Ginger Ale and ice cream, two of Maud Lewis’s favourite treats.