Meet the Authors: Joel Thomas Hynes and Susie Taylor


Date: Jun 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre

Join us for an engaging discussion featuring Joel Thomas Hynes and emerging author Susie Taylor. Hynes, renowned for his groundbreaking debut "Down to the Dirt", will provide insights into his journey depicting gritty, street-level life, while Taylor will delve into her new book of linked short stories "Vigil," delving into similar themes of societal struggles in decaying urban centres.

This is a free program but tickets are required.  Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)-757-8090.


About the Authors:

Joel Thomas Hynes is a Canadian writer, actor and director known for his irreverent, oftentimes dark and uproarious characters and a raw, unflinching vision of modern underground Canada. His 2017 novel We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction and the Winterset Award and was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Susie Taylor (she/her) is a queer writer living in rural Newfoundland. Her first novel, Even Weirder Than Before, was published in 2019 by Breakwater Books. Taylor’s short stories have appeared in Geist, Prism International, The Fiddlehead, Room Magazine, Riddle Fence and elsewhere. Taylor lives in Harbour Grace, NL, with her partner, dog and four cats. When she isn’t writing, she is out running.

Presented in partnership with Breakwater Books. Books will be available for sale in The Rooms Giftshop.

Events & Programs

10:30 am - 1:00 pm

Learn the basics of stop motion animation using LEGO® in this hands-on workshop for youth ages 11-14!

Creators will combine LEGO®, mini figurines, and collage to build their own mini- universe. Students will learn basic principles of stop motion animation, beginner editing techniques, and even score their creations in this jam packed morning.

After the workshop, students will receive their short films by email to screen for family and friends at the end of the day!

All workshop materials included in the cost.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms Members. 

Seats are limited.  Please call (709) 757-8090 to book your child’s space.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Spring Break LEGO® Fun at The Rooms!

Join us for an action-packed spring break from April 22–27, where kids 12 and under get FREE admission to a week of creativity, play, and LEGO® fun!

We’re thrilled to partner once again with Bricks & Minifigs St. John’s and NewfoundLUG to bring you an exciting LEGO® brick-building event.

What’s Happening?

Exhibition of Local Builds – Be amazed by stunning LEGO® creations crafted by talented local builders.

Minifigure Search – Minifigures are hiding among the animals in the Connections Gallery—how many can you find?

Activities taking place from 1 - 4 pm daily:

Builder Spotlight Station – Chat with LEGO® enthusiasts from NewfoundLUG and learn their best building tips!

Community Build – Help create a collaborative masterpiece! Each visitor gets a LEGO® brick to add to our growing display.

Button-Making Station – Design your own LEGO®-inspired button to take home.

 

Daily Themed LEGO® Builds (1–4 PM, Level 3, Open Minds Area)

Each day brings a new creative challenge!

April 22 – Fabricating Foliage (Earth Day Special) – Build your favorite nature-inspired features of Newfoundland and Labrador.

April 23 – Beastly Builds – Bring creatures big and small to life! Get inspired by the Connections Gallery.

April 24 – Building Buildings – Design your dream museum or a cozy space that feels like home.

April 25 – This is How We Go – Create your favorite mode of transportation, from boats to snowmobiles!

April 26 – Think Outside the Brick – Get abstract! Experiment with patterns, shapes, and colors.


April 27 – Show Us What You’re Made Of – Build a LEGO® self-portrait that reflects your personality.

NEW! LEGO®-Themed Specialty Workshops

Don’t miss this fun-filled week of LEGO® creativity at The Rooms! We can’t wait to see what you build.

This year, we’re introducing special LEGO®-inspired stop-motion, drawing, and printmaking workshops. Check them out on our events calendar!

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

In Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou exhibition find out about the impacts of the First World War on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and how events overseas dramatically altered our lives at home.

Tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and included in the cost of admission.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Program

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:

Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbor view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up. 

Quality drawing supplies are available or feel free to bring your own sketch book!

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% Discount for Rooms Members. Please call (709) 757-8090 to book your space.