Looking for a unique item for that special someone who made the top of your Christmas list? There is a store just 10 minutes from Orléans that offers one-of-a-kind gift items made by local artists and artisans in nearly every price range.
Da Artisti Studio and Gallery is located just east of Orléans in the heart of Cumberland Village. The studio specializes in fused glass-work made by owner Wendy Canci, along with her assistant Martine Marceau. From gorgeous wall hangings and sculptures to decorative bowls and vases, and more: no two pieces are alike.
The coloured glass comes to life as the light is reflected off each glass element. You won’t find anything like it in Orléans. The same can be said for the stained-glass creations made by the talented Diana Atkinson, whose pieces hang in the gallery’s windows.
The shelves are overflowing with unique artwork: jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, soaps, candles, scarves, and so much more. The walls of the gallery are adorned by exquisite paintings and woodwork. A new addition to the gallery is Lise Forgues’ book art pieces. Talk about patience. Each piece takes over 100 hours to achieve.
Every holiday season Da Artisti stages an exhibition of small and affordable works by local artists. This year the gallery is featur-ing the work of local linocut artist Diana Westwood, as well as graphite images of scenes from around Cumberland Village by Wendy Canci, who took up the medium during the COVID pandemic.
Among the other local artists featured at Da Artisti is Deborah Lyall who is well-known for her fibre and textile art creations. Deborah will be at the studio during the Cumberland Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7, where she will be presenting several new creations including handbags pocketbooks, clothing and small original art pieces as well as hand-stitched Christmas ornaments.
To make Dec. 7 all the more special, harp maestro Ian Hepburn will be playing live between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Amazing!!! The gallery will also be selling wood Christmas trees by Nick and Giani Canci which are sure to jazz up your porch.
When you visit Da Artisit you will also find exceptional woodwork creations by Ron Lacroix and Serge and Sheila Parisien, and ceramics by Katherine Arnold.
The cabinets are filled with handmade jewelry by Nathalie Brunelle and hand-blown glass creations by Barbara Ham and Janet Evans. You will be surprised by how affordable they are! The gallery also carries exquisite woven scarves by Ian Hepburn.
Don’t be surprised by all the talent that is out there in our community. The quality of the artwork cannot be overstated. You would have to travel to the Byward Market or Merrickville to see the same type of craftmanship you can find at the Da Artisti Studio and Gallery. In fact, almost everything at Da Artisti can fit into any Christmas shopping budget or you can simply purchase a Da Artisti gift certificate which can be redeemed for merchandise, or fused glass classes at a later date.
Da Artisti is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They studio and gallery are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. You can visit their website at www.daartisti.ca, or their Facebook page at facebook.com/DaArtisti.
TAPROOM 260 presents Terrence O'Brien live from 8 p.m. No cover charge. Located in the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd.
TAPROOM 260 presents The Allez Cats live from 8 p.m. No cover charge. Located in the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd.
4TH ANNUAL CHILI CHALLENGE from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Come taste the results when local restaurants go head-to-head to see who can make the best chili in Orléans.
OYSTER NIGHT from 6-9pm at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. $2.50 / shuck. Unlimited goodness like lemon, horseradish and hot sauce! Shucking goes until 9 p.m. or when out of stock.
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION hosted by the Heart of Orléans BIA from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Centrum Blvd. Be part of the countdown as our local leaders light up the giant tree at 6:15 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your family and friends for a night full of joy! Hot chocolate and coffee from Café Amore will warm your heart, along with sweet treats from Sugar Sugar Ottawa. 
THE OTTAWA SCHOOL OF THEATRE presents “The Island of Lost Memories: A Christmas (Mystery) Heist” in the Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Showtimes: Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for individuals 25 and under. Family package (2 adults and children) $50. Tickets can be purchased at 
SANTA’S PARADE OF LIGHTS beginning at 6 p.m. at the corner of St. Joseph Blvd. and Youville Dr. The parade will follow it’s traditional route down St. Joseph Blvd. to the Orléans Town Centre.
