Catching Stars owner Emilie Kaplun is embarking on a new chapter as sole Director of the art gallery.
While the solo position is new territory, the Snug Cove gallery is a place Kaplun has called home since founding it, along with Pauulet Hohn and Marie Neys, in 2018. The trio had previously worked at Arts Pacific Gallery in Artisan Square and knew they worked well together. When a space became available under the (new) Pub, they decided it was time to carve out a presence in Bowen’s most central location.
“It was a really fun process to go from the ground up… especially with a brand new building where you can really have a say in how everything is set up… that was really exciting,” says Kaplun.
Emilie had prior forays into the art gallery world including running Raspberry Retreat in Vancouver with her good friend Michelle Crowley. Together they showcased local artists while emphasizing pieces revolving around ‘Women, Wellness and Creativity’. Before that, as a teenager in Port Stanley, Ontario, Kaplun and her friend even had their own brick and mortar store named Eldora Jewellery. Emilie also worked as the Curator at the Hearth Gallery for four years.
“It’s always been a passion for me, arts and crafts and working with makers and supporting them to do what they love,” says Kaplun, who had originally planned to be an Art Therapist following her Humanistic Studies degree from McGill University. She lists therapeutic qualities among the many benefits of creating artwork, and one of the reasons she loves working in the gallery setting.
“For me, making jewellery is a meditation. It’s my downtime, it’s my creative time… I wanted to support other artists through the store I had in Vancouver and through the different galleries I worked at here. I really believe in supporting artists to do what they love, not just for the financial part and making it part of their life, but for the healing and positive benefits it has for all of us,” she says.
The gallery operates under a co-operative model, meaning members have their artwork on display and are present at the gallery a few days a month. There’s a feature artist each month, and non-members also have the opportunity to display their works. Emilie says the different approaches attract a welcome range of artistic styles and personalities inside the walls.
“There’s so many cool artists out there. I love going to different shows and finding new artists, especially the people who’ve just started and just got into it… I love our Bowen artists so much, it’s such a great community,” she explains.
The artists and works on display form part of the puzzle; another crucial element of the gallery is the atmosphere when you walk in the door. “Come in, have a cup of tea, sit on the cozy chair, have a chat… It combines my passion for community, being around people, conversations and art, and talking about the artists’ work.”
This approach goes for all age ranges, from young children starting their artistic journey to those journeying away from home for the first time. “I want things to be accessible to kids too, to inspire them… Kids come in and they buy a magnet or a bookmark and there’s just so much excitement. They’ve got their change in their hand and they’re counting it out; I really just want to give them the art piece but I know it’s important for them that they’ve saved up,” she says, adding that she also loves to see a kid heading off to university grab a piece for their new place.
Another type of visitor always makes Emilie smile when they come through the door – those from far away. “You learn a little bit about their lifestyle and what it’s like there, and you can share Bowen with them,” she says, recalling in particular a visitor from Nepal who came into the gallery recently. “I love that Bowen has that tourism element, you just never know who you’re going to meet.”
Kaplun has been in the solo director role for four months now since former co-owner Kathleen Ainscough moved to the Okanagan. She credits her, and the many other gallery directors over the years, for helping make the Catching Stars journey successful. “Every different partner has brought different skills to the gallery that’s evolved it and made it what it is now,” she says. “All of the previous owners are still involved in the Gallery in different ways which is amazing.”
One of Kaplun’s goals for the year ahead is increased collaborations with other Bowen businesses. In March her partner was Copper Spirit Distillery, so Emilie decorated the gallery in copper and green and encouraged artists to make pieces in those colours and materials (she made a copper necklace herself with green Malachite stones). The month concluded with an evening of celebration at the Gallery and a Whiskey Tasting for their dedicated clients.
“Cross promote and do something fun, community oriented, and celebrate our local businesses,” are the collaboration goals says Emilie. “It can be a struggle to be a business on Bowen and keep everything going, so the more we can support each other and get the word out is good.”
Emilie says she’s excited to press on in the Director role, surrounded by a great team at the gallery. This of course includes her family who have been with her each step of the way, husband Link – who came up with the gallery tagline ‘Find What Inspires You – and son Sam, who helps with graphic designs and even covers some shifts at the gallery.
“The Associates and Members all contribute their amazing gifts to keep the Gallery running and I’m so grateful for them,” she says. Together the Catching Stars team is excited to celebrate their eight-year anniversary in June, and many more beyond.
