Superstition & Magic: Household Protection through History


Date: Nov 24
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Art Gallery Classroom
Workshop

Spooky Season might be behind us, but not long ago, people tried to protect their homes from evil spirits all year round!

Join us to learn about the history of magical house protection, and the objects, symbols, and practices that people used across Europe and North America to keep themselves safe.

The adult workshop includes a visit to This Place: Our Lives on Land and Sea to see some objects from our collections, followed by a hands-on workshop to learn basic embroidery stitches and create a protective symbol of your own (or to gift for Christmas!)

All materials and a refreshment break of coffee and a muffin are included in the cost.

Cost: $40 plus HST per person. 10% discount for Rooms Members.

Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. No experience needed. To register, please call 709-757-8090.

Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Talk

Join guest curator and host, Jenelle Duval for an engaging conversation with panelists, Jordan Bennett, Samaqani Cocahq, Kayla Stride, and Nelson White.

The featured artists will reflect on their work as part of Duval’s exhibition, Tekweywinen tel weljesultiek (Be with us in our Joy), a uniquely interactive and play-based experience that showcases the works of seven Indigenous artists based in Wabanaki*—inviting you to explore their (and your) individual interpretations of joy.

For generations, Wabanaki artists have thrived and are known to be resilient and strong. Yet, it's not only their endurance that sustains them—laughter, spirit, and humour have been vital to their artmaking.

This exhibition is a celebration of that vibrant spirit, offering a space to uplift each other and collectively embrace the joy inherent in Indigenous culture. What brings joy to your inner child? How can we spark curiosity, invite wonder, and see the world with fresh eyes and an imaginative mind?

*Wabanaki, translated as “People of the First Light” or “Dawnland,” includes five nations: the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki. The region stretches from parts of Newfoundland to the Maritime provinces, Maine, and Quebec.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Pelase reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090. 

This program is in partnership with First Light in celebration of Spirit Song.

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Presented with PictureNL, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s superb films and filmmakers! Each month we’ll present a different local feature film on our big screen. Gather with friends and film buffs to celebrate home-grown talent.

Next up:

  • Screening six local shorts:
    • Faeries – directed by Yejide Emioladipupo – 7.41 mins
    • Poster Child – directed by Brianna Russell – 8 mins
    • Thumbs Up – directed by Mike Simms– 12 mins
    • After – directed by Nyah Williams– 12.12 mins
    • Scored by Time – directed by Nicola Hawkins– 9.49 mins
    • Sweet Pickle – directed by Lois Brown– 11 mins
    • Total screen time: 60 minutes

A Q&A will follow the screening.

This year-long monthly series is presented by PictureNL in partnership with The Rooms as part of Year of the Arts celebrations.  

Stay tuned as each monthly screening date is announced!

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Tickets are available online or by calling 709-757-8090.