SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - A new business is celebrating Island artisans this summer at Spinnakers’ Landing.
Current Collective, run by Jen Croken and Jane Gallant, is set to have about 90 per cent of inventory come from local artisans.
“We met through the Etsy markets and discussed maybe opening an independent shop. And then in the new year, we were like ‘OK we’re doing this,’” said Croken.
Etsy is an online platform where artisans and craftspeople can sell their good. The Island, which features multiple Etsy shops has in person markets a couple times a year.
Now the pair are gearing up to open shop in the lighthouse at the Landing.
“This spot has been vacant for a number of years so we’re really excited to bring some life into it. And it’s the first time in a while that people will actually be able to access the lighthouse and go to the top and see the view of Summerside.”
The lighthouse will be open during the hours Current Collective is open.
Croken is a sea glass artist, while Gallant is a weaver. For their day jobs, Gallant works as a teacher for the Public Schools Branch and Croken works as career practitioner.
“We’ve both said we always wanted to be shopkeepers,” Gallant said with a laugh.
“We’re also looking forward to just being here and meeting locals and tourists.”
“I think we’ve been in need of a little bit of refresh. And it seems like it’s going to show locals and tourists what’s available on the Island.”
- Jen Croken
Current Collective houses products from about 50 different artisans.
“Three are so many great resources and producers from across the Island. But I think it’s also really illuminated the maker community on P.E.I.,” said Croken.
The pair have been working to get the space ready for the store’s June 2 opening.
“Jane is very much the creative space person in the partnership. She and her husband built the hanging shelves display and she’s really set this place up,” said Croken.
Gallant added, “And Jen’s really taken on the business side and running things behind the scene. We’ve really played to each other’s strengths.”
Once the summer season begins, they plan to have the Current Collective open seven days a week.
“We’re really excited to be here. I think there’s a real atmosphere among the vendors to bring Spinnakers’ back to the place it used to be,” Gallant said.
Croken chimed in, “I think we’ve been in need of a little bit of refresh. And it seems like it’s going to show locals and tourists what’s available on the Island.”
