Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
A downtown Jasper store is offering more than what is listed on its menu.
Jasper’s Wafflato now features artwork on display in addition to a varied selection of food.
Wafflato owner Suhas Sawant and his wife Pravila opened the shop in mid-May 2020. In the summer, he approached local photographer Matt Quiring about displaying some of his work at the restaurant and Quiring said yes.
Sawant wanted to expand the selection of artwork and approached the Jasper Art Gallery (JAG), with the intention of showcasing more local artists.
Over time, Sawant and JAG made a connection. Now, in addition to Quiring’s photos, JAG members’ paintings, fabric art, prints and more are on display and for sale.
“People have seen tough times,” Sawant said. “It’s nice to give people the opportunity to showcase their art, their skills. It also gives the cafe itself the local touch.”
He said when tourists stop in, an art gallery is not always on the list of places to visit.
“Normally, artists don’t get that exposure; not everybody has the time to visit the gallery,” he said.
With the more visible location along Connaught Drive, tourists can stop in for a bite and take a piece of local artwork with them too.
“The Jasper Art Gallery has been closed since early December,” and JAG president Christina Martin. “So it’s nice to have another venue.
“We’re very grateful to Suhas. It’ll be good in the summer.”
Martin said JAG is being proactive about planning future events.
“We’re having an artist exchange for the month of March: the Spring Artists Swap,” she said. “Jasper-based artists will display their work in Hinton, and Hinton-based artists will show their work here. The location is to be determined.”
Along with Quiring’s artwork are pieces from JAG members including Pam Beaver, Claude Boocock, Lauree Harrison, Louise Hayes, Karly MacDonald Ireland, Christina Martin, Jennifer Ottaway, Shay Randle, Brigid Scott and Cheryl Potter.
