Hamiltons Of Pelham is thrilled to announce that we are one of just three finalists for the prestigious Ontario Made Award! This nomination alone is an honor, recognizing our commitment to showcasing local artisans and supporting Ontario’s rich legacy of craftsmanship. Our selection features unique, handcrafted items made in Ontario that highlight the talent and creativity of artists throughout the province.
Each piece in our store tells a story, and we’re proud to share the work of some of Ontario’s finest artisans. From handcrafted windswept trees to stunning glass pieces, these items celebrate our connection to nature, artistry, and community.
Cathy Mark's Windswept Pine Sculptures: Nature Captured in Metal
Cathy Mark’s windswept pine sculptures are a perfect example of how art can reflect the beauty of Ontario’s natural landscapes. Working from her home studio on the north shore of Lake Scugog, Cathy draws inspiration from her surroundings, capturing the rugged elegance of Ontario’s iconic pines. Her sculptures combine metal with harvested rocks and burls, creating unique, nature-inspired pieces that have gained international acclaim and are featured in juried shows and galleries worldwide.
Donn Zver Pottery: The Essence of Ontario’s Artisanal Tradition
Donn Zver Pottery embodies the heart and soul of Ontario’s rich pottery tradition. Each piece is crafted with attention to detail and a love for the natural materials that define our province’s landscape. Don’s work is both decorative and functional, adding a touch of handmade charm to any home. His pottery is celebrated for its timeless designs and practical beauty, making it a thoughtful gift or a unique addition to any collection.
Kitras Glass Art
Beginning as a small mom-and-pop start up in 1988, Kitras Art Glass’s 30-plus-year journey has led them to becoming Canada’s largest hot glass studio. They are makers of artfully crafted gifts and décor that are full of the unexpected and magical. Their handcrafted work can be found in shops, museums and garden centres across North America.
Their Process
- Gather
The process begins when their experienced glassblowers dip their blowpipe into their 2,000 to 2,200C (3632 to 3,992F) furnace for their first gather of molten glass. This extremely hot, honey-like, glass is the starting point of every piece they make at Kitras Art Glass.
- Colour
They love colour and use only the highest quality coloured glass available. To apply different colours, glassblowers roll the molten glass (1,100 to 1,800C or 2,012 to 3,272F) through frit (coloured glass) that’s laid out in different patterns on a heat resistant surface. The size and colour of frit determines the design of each piece. The coloured glass fuses and melts into the clear glass, becoming one, and creating a piece that will never fade or lose its brilliance.
- Form
The skilled glassblowers use various techniques to form and shape glass into each piece. While all of our products have a colour recipe and process to follow, each piece is unique due to the individual glassblower and the flowing nature of working with hot glass.
- Check
After the piece is complete it is cooled at a steady rate to ensure safe handling and a flawless finish. This process is completed through their lehr and annealer boxes. Every single product is then inspected by their quality control team to ensure you are receiving only the highest quality products.
Why Ontario Made Matters
Being a finalist for the Ontario Made Award underscores our commitment to celebrating and promoting Ontario-made products that represent the finest of local talent. Each artisan we work with, from Cathy Mark and Donn Zver to Kitras Glass, brings their unique perspective and skill to their craft, creating items that not only beautify your home but also support sustainable, local businesses. These products are the result of years of dedication to their craft, embodying the artistry and diversity of our province.
Discover Ontario’s Finest Artisans at Hamiltons of Pelham
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, our collection of Ontario-made items offers something meaningful for every taste. When you choose a piece from Hamiltons of Pelham, you’re not only bringing home a beautiful object but also supporting local artisans and helping to sustain Ontario’s art and craft traditions.
Thank you for supporting Ontario’s artists and being part of our journey. We invite you to explore our collection and see for yourself the exceptional quality and creativity that make Hamiltons of Pelham and our local artisans truly special.