The Members of the Valley Artisans’ Coop acknowledge that we exist on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people and honour their long history here.
We recognize that we all have a role to play in decolonizing, healing, and reconciliation and we value art as an expression of our common humanity.
The From the Valley Artisans' Co-op was founded in 1987 by a dozen individuals inspired to create a space that fosters and showcases artists and artisans from the Ottawa Valley. After decades in operation, we’ve experienced many highs and lows, and experienced the ebb and flow of membership. Some members have moved on, and some members have passed on. We hold fond memories of those who spent years with us, who made a positive impact, and who contributed their time, ideas, and energy. We remember them.
Member: 1998-2026
A longtime member, Steve was known for his exquisitely crafted silver jewellery: rings, necklaces, earrings. Customers collected his work and would return year after year for a new piece.
He is remembered as a 'real character' and we miss him dropping in to take stock of his inventory and regaling us with his stories and good humour.
Steve passed away suddenly on 7 August 2026.
Member: 1996-2020
Joan joined the Valley Artisans' Coop, along with her husband, Jock, and daughter, Sara, in November 1996 when the Co-op underwent a notable re-organization and expansion.
Proving that it is never too late to start something new, Joan was close to 70 when she took up hand-embroidering and began a collection of more than 200 hand-embroidered pieces that she displayed in local art shows and sold through the Valley Artisans' Co-op. Joan created exquisite florals and landscapes, capturing images of Deep River and the Ottawa Valley.
Joan passed away on 4 March 2020.
Member: 1996-2003
Jock joined the Valley Artisans' Coop, along with his wife, Joan, and daughter, Sara, in 1996 when the Co-op underwent a notable re-organization.
Jock passed away on the 7 August 2003.
Founding Member: 1987-1996
Paddy Chapman was one of the early and determined visionaries that helped to created the Valley Artisans' Co-op in 1987.
Her sudden death in 1996 sent the Co-op into a crisis, leaving them with too few members to continue and leading to the radical re-organization and expansion that saved the dream of a co-operative formed to nurture and provide and outlet for Ottawa Valley artists and artisans.
Member: 1998-2003
In April 1998, Bob joined his wife, Lynn Dunn, as a member of the Valley Artisans' Co-op. Bob was a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful pieces that were popular at the Co-op and often complimented Lynn's ceramic creations.
Bob passed away suddenly on 9 August 2003.
Member: 2006-2026
Eva's unique style of pottery--dishes, vases, and functional pieces--is instantly recognizable, developed during more than fifty years as a member of the Deep River Potters Guild.
We were fortunate that Eva found time for the Valley Artisans' Co-op once she retired from her career at Atomic Energy of Canada. She served in various capacities as a member, and always found time to nurture and encourage upcoming potters.
Eva passed away suddenly on 26 April 2026
Founding Member: 1987-2016
Hazel was a founding member of the Valley Artisans' Co-op, one of the determined and forward thinking artists willing to gamble on forming a co-operative for local artists and artisans in 1987. She stuck with us through thick and thin, through good times and hard times. She was immensely proud of our organization and occasionally reminded us, sharply, that a co-operative involves co-operation.
Hazel was an artist deep in her bones and, over the years, tried her hand at almost everything you could imagine.
Hazel passed away on 26 June 2015.
Member: 1996-2007
Don joined the Valley Artisans' Co-op in 1996, the year of the great reorganization and expansion. A photographer, he transformed his images into distinctive photo engravings, resembling pen & ink. He remained a member of the Co-op until he began to lose his eyesight and could no longer do his work.
Don passed away on 19 March 2019.
Member: 2003-2025
George joined his father, Don McQuade, at the Valley Artisans' Co-op in 2003. As a photographer, he became well-known for capturing evocative and dramatic images of the local landscape and wildlife. He loved nothing better than being out in the natural world with his camera.
As a Co-op member, George took over the critical task of Co-op treasurer when Pam Moore resigned in 2015, and remained in that position until he became ill.
George passed away on 2 June 2025.
Member: 1997-2015
Pam joined the Valley Artisans' Co-op in 2007 and immediately took over the challenging position of treasurer. With a background in accounting, she whipped our books into shape like never before!
We remember Pam for her warmth and sense of humour, and for the occasional sharp lecture on our imperfect record-keeping.
Pam died on 6 April 2019.
Member: 2003-2009
Vic was well known around Deep River as an event photographer and man about town. Always a character, always a story to tell. He took many of the photos of the town and town features that hang on local walls to this day.
Vic passed away on 15 September 2009.
Member: 2012-2015
Nancy was a member of the Valley Artisans' Co-op for a relatively short time, until her health made it difficult to continue. However, she is remembered for throwing herself wholeheartedly into our activities and day-to-day business. Nancy did nothing by half measures.
In addition to her beautiful paper and calligraphy, she left her mark through sheer enthusiasm.
Member: 2003-2008
Rutger was worked with stone, creating interesting stone and wood sculptures, a medium that remains uniquely his among our members. He is remembered as a warm and friendly guy, always with a kind word.
Rutger died on the 7 July 2018.
Member: 1996-2010
Bob joined the Co-op in November 1996, at the time of the great re-organization and expansion, and remained a member until health problems made it difficult to continue.
He is remembered as an involved member, dedicated to his craft of woodworking (sacrificed fingers), who could be relied upon to build new display furnishings as required. As chair, he could get through a meeting in record time, pounding his purpose-built gavel.