Makers, Artists & Artisans of Fogo Island

With its wild landscapes and the rich colour palette of its ever-changing natural world, Fogo Island inspires creativity. There are longstanding traditions of artistry and artisanship here, with skills such as boatbuilding, furniture-making, quilting, and rug hooking passed through generations.

Meet the artists, artisans, and makers of Fogo Island at arts destinations that welcome visitors. 

Ceramist Sarah Fulford gives classes and creates ceramics, glazed in colours inspired by nature’s palette on Fogo Island, which can be purchased at the studio. Try pottery for yourself in a fun ambiance and book a class through our Guest Experiences team at the Inn.

Run by Dale Payne, The Lookout is a charming, cliff-side craft store brimming with knitted items such as socks, hats, and trigger mittens, as well as quilts, shopping bags made from repurposed fishing nets, and all kinds of unique, handmade souvenirs. It sits by the lookout point at the foot of Fogo Head.

The works of over 75 Fogo Island craftspeople are showcased in this eclectic shop on the main street in Fogo. Peruse a large collection of books from Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as souvenirs, cards, and craft supplies.  

Bruce Pashak is a multidisciplinary artist and musician who uses imagery, text, and technology to create abstracted anti-narratives. Speak with our Guest Experiences team to book a studio visit, available by appointment only, or ask about joining an art workshop.

Watch sparks fly as blacksmith Marc Fiset is at work, creating metal pieces, often inspired by the wildlife of Fogo Island. Marc’s original designs bring together the traditions of metal fabrication and artistic forging. Follow Fogo Island Metalworks on social media for updates on Burning Rock, a fiery and fun-filled grassroots arts event (dates vary every year).

Quilter Linda Osmond and painter and carpenter Winston Osmond are a creative husband-wife duo. Find everything from upcycled plaid quilts to reusable fabric bags created by Linda. Winston takes inspiration in his art from nature, fishing, and the landscapes of his island home. He handcrafts items such as tiny saltbox houses and mussel-shell puffins. 

Located in the SUF Hall, Fogo Island Workshops is a maker and retailer of modern furniture, textiles, and smaller furnishings. As one of Shorefast’s community businesses, it honours Fogo Island’s culture and traditions, while carrying them forward through contemporary design. Ask our Guest Experiences team about joining a Tour of Fogo Island Workshops.

Located by the seaside, five minutes from the Inn, this gallery and shop showcases the ceramic works of Lee Danisch and Fraser Carpenter. Find functional pots and striking sculptures featuring island wildlife, all made onsite and fired to white heat in a traditional salt kiln.

This fine art gallery is dedicated to showing paintings, drawings, sculpture, as well as multi-disciplinary work from regional, national and international artists. It’s just a short walk from Fogo Island Inn and the Punt Premises. Visitors can see contemporary art within a lovingly restored 1840s schoolhouse.

Whether you’re looking for hooked rugs, knitted baby clothes, quilts, or preserves, you’ll find it all at Mona’s. Bonus: You can visit Hart House Museum in the same building and see objects and artefacts that tell stories of Fogo Island’s past and inspire Mona’s work.

Inspired by the stark beauty of the landscapes and architecture in Newfoundland, painter Adam Young creates vibrant and whimsical works. You can talk with the artist and buy prints, cards, and originals in his studio store. He also co-authored a children’s book (The Red Shed), with wife Jen Young, that is a delight dip into the worlds of art, outport Newfoundland, and the imagination for young kids.

Established in 2009 and now operating in the newly renovated Heritage Centre, the Winds and Waves Artisan Guild is a long-established group of artisans from Fogo Island and neighbouring Changes Islands. You can meet the makers and find textile pieces to treasure in their store, from soft toys to quilts to handmade handbags. You can even try your hand at traditional crafts in their dedicated workspace!

Fogo Island Inn is home to the Fogo Island Gallery, which features new work by artists and curators who have participated in the Fogo Island Arts international residency program. During their residencies, artists and curators work from incredible studios scattered across the island. Chat with our Guest Experiences team to learn more about current and future exhibitions, the residency program, and where to find each studio on the island.

Contact our Guest Itinerary Advisors to plan your visit. 

International Reservations: +1-709-658-7260
US & Canada Reservations: +1-855-268-9277
Email us: advisors@fogoislandinn.ca