Where The Heart Is: The Auction

This is a limited edition original photographic print by Irena Schon entitled "Syren Song". It is a digital pigment on watercolour paper. 5.5" x 8.5".

This a gorgeous photograph by Bob Martin of fishing boats in the harbour at Mabou Coal Mines.

It is a 16 inch by 24 inch print on gallery-wrapped canvas. 

Value is $150. 

This is a spectacular photograph by Inverness photographer, Clare Pothier. Clare finds inspiration in the natural beauty all around her in Inverness - in this case, in the sky. 

The print is mounted on gallery canvas. Size is 20" x 28". Value: $75

This is a lovely framed print of a photograph by Inverness County photographer, Francis MacDonald. The photo is overlooking Mabou Coal Mines. Frame is 10" x 12".

This is a striking photograph of the Inverness boardwalk by photographer Steve Rankin. The 12" x 18" print is attractively framed. 

Approximate value is $75.00. 

The original image was created plein air, oil on canvas board, at Grand Desert, Nova Scotia, 2010. The painting is currently in a private collection in Nova Scotia.

• Print image size is 10"x14"
• Print paper size is 13"x19"
• Print paper is Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster
• Printing inks are Epson Fade Resistant (#79)

Normal Sale Price: $40

This is a limited edition digital print of an original painting by Tony MacKinnon. 11.5" x 11.5"

This gift certificate is presented compliments of HS Studio at 7004 Mumford Road in Halifax. It entitles the bearer to a shampoo, cut and blowdry with master designer Eileen MacKay-Grabka. 

Valid to: November 30, 2015

Value: $50

This is a stunning, red and black woven scarf of wool and tencel by Pick & Twill Weaving Studio in Inverness, Cape Breton. 

Two pairs of handknit mittens and a child's set of knitwear (hat, socks and mittens) all kindly donated by Theresa Leblanc. 

Value: $33

Best March Break Ever!

The three-day March Break Program is the perfect start to March Break for any youth aged 5-18. (Must be of school-age) With opportunities to learn the Gaelic arts in a variety of forms from some of the area's top instructors and performers, in combination with the ton of fun planned, it's easy to see why kids want to come back year after year.

This certificate entitles the bearer to enrollment in a 2016 March Break Youth Session at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's, Cape Breton. 

More information here: www.gaeliccollege.edu/study-with-us/march-break-program/

Total value (tuition): $250

Private performance of Frank MacDonald's award-winning play, 'Her Wake', a comedy about two Cape Breton women who attend the funeral of their dear friend. The play is 30 minutes long, performed by Cindy O'Neill and Diane Mouland of MOO'Nlighting Productions and can be presented at a private location of your choice. Conditional on availability. Travel and accommodation will be an extra charge, if required.

Value: $550

Gillis Mountain Trail Rides offers a 1 hour trek up Gillis Mountain for two people. This trail is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. Children 10 and younger will be accompanied on foot by a guide. You will be given a lesson on basic horsemanship and riding, in the riding ring prior to departure. Already experienced riders can take this time to acquaint themselves with their mount. As you trek up the mountain, enjoy the unique breathtaking coastal and mountainous scenery. Relax through the old growth hardwood forests and breathe in the sharp scent of coniferous forest trails. Various wildlife, such as deer, moose, bald eagles and owls can be spotted, especially near the wild blueberry bushes. Trails are guided by experienced, friendly and knowledgeable wranglers who will answer any questions you may have. Reservations can sometimes be made same day but usually require a couple of days in advance for a guaranteed spot.

Value: $110

Here's a real treat! 100 delicious oysters from Sam's Point Oysters - organic and sustainably raised in Mabou Harbour, Nova Scotia. 

https://www.facebook.com/mabouoysters

Approximate value is $300. 

The perfect gift! This is a $50 Visa gift card and is redeemable at millions of merchants worldwide - anywhere that Visa cards are accepted electronically!

Good through 07/2017.

This gift card was generously donated by Halcraft Printers. 

Enjoy a visit to Obladee - a small, casual wine bar in the centre of Halifax’s downtown.

Obladee's wine list is "hand-selected, sometimes obscure, always interesting and ever-changing" and their food is "small-batch, locally sourced wherever possible and always of the highest quality".

Value: $50

The lucky winner of this item will receive a complimentary Sunday brunch for two at "Elements on Hollis" in the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel.

Approximate value is $50.  

This is a $50 gift certificate from Four Mermaids: Gifts from the Sea in Port Hood, Cape Breton. Four Mermaids carries a great range of local crafts, souvenirs, home decor and clothing. And some of it could be yours! 

This is a beautiful, 100% wool lap blanket donated by the Margaree Harbour Craft and Gift Shop. The blanket is cream-coloured with blue and brown stripes. It is 31" x 76". 

Value: $50

Scentsy's stylish warmers use a heating element to melt specially formulated wax. With no flame, smoke or soot the Scentsy wickless candle system is a safe way to enjoy Scentsy Fragrances. This beautiful warmer comes in the 'Urban Earth' design and includes a Scentsy bar in Eggnog scent to get you started. 

Donated by Amy Gillis. 

Value: $42

This is a stunning, handmade quilt by Alice Freeman. 

Approximate size: 6' by 7'. 

Value: $600

This is a beautiful pottery bowl and lid handmade by Heather MacAlpine of Crafted Images Pottery in Codys, New Brunswick and purchased for donation to our auction by Donna MacLean. It’s a very practical, multi-user gown with an attractive, blue and green print. A great addition to any kitchen!

9 inches wide and 5 inches deep. 

Approximate value is $65.00. 

This is a gent's Guess 'Rigor' Watch generously donated by Charm Diamond Centre. 

Stainless steel with leather strap. 

Value: $195 plus tax

This is a gorgeous memory locket made by Alisha Beaton of Beaton Beach Treasures in Mabou Harbour. 

http://www.maboufarmersmarket.ca/beaton-beach-treasures/

Value: $45

GroundSwell Music CD boxset including various titles from The Town Heroes, The Stanfields and Rawlins Cross.

Value: $200

Fine Guarneri Copy in a Beautiful Antiqued Orange Varnish

A prize winner in The Violin Society of America for Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, this exceptionally beautiful instrument was crafted in 2000 specifically for sale in one violin shop in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Only four or five instruments were handcrafted for the shop and sold within a two week period, including this instrument. Many feautres of this violin are characteristic of expert workmanship: the F holes are expertly carved, superbly laid purfling, large masculine scroll, characteristic of Del Gesu's work. The one piece back features striking medium flame, slanting slightly from left to right. The fittings are also of fine construction, including high quality ebony fingerboard and fitted boxwood tailpiece with string adjusters and chinrest perfectly suited to the colour of the varnish. 

It must be noted that this is of the finest - and most expensive - violins made in Xuechang Sun's shop. A number of staff from another violin shop were taken aback from the quality, agreeing that the instrument easily rivaled instruments worth $5000 and more both in appearance and sound quality. This instrument was bought for $3000 in mid 2000 and has excellent volume and projection, warmth, and excellent response. 

The violin comes with a new rectangular case and a used 4/4 bow. 

Approximate value: $5000

Donated by Kinnon Beaton, Long Point, NS

This is a $55 gift certificate for dog grooming services at Little Pond Stables/Kennels/Grooming in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. 

Get bidding and pamper your pup!

Spend a morning behind-the-scenes in the bakery at the Inverness Cottage Workshop. Learn how to make oatcakes, rolls, biscuits and more! Best of all, take away some goodies with you when you go!

A top notch DORA journeyman carpenter in Halifax, Sydney, or Inverness for 1 (eight hour) day, plus 1 hour of planning.

Value is $500.

This lovely and unique doll is dressed in Lake Ainslie tartan. A beautiful gift or addition to a doll collection!

This gift certificate is valid for a one night stay for two guests plus a full buffet breakfast the following morning at the Delta Halifax (1990 Barrington Street). Approximate value is $200. 

This gift certificate is valid for a one night stay for two guests in a one bedroom cottage at the Whale Cove Summer Village on the sunset side of Cape Breton Island. 

Learn more at www.whalecovesummervillage.ca

Approximate value is $100.