LITTLE CURRENT—Author Danielle Daniel, the owner of Effie and the Fox, a new art supply store in Little Current, started out as an elementary school teacher for several years until she became an author and illustrator of books for children and adults. The Expositor caught up with Ms. Daniel to chat about her latest endeavour.
“I was an elementary school teacher for several years before I became an author and illustrator of books for children and adults,” she said. “I have three forthcoming books that will be released in 2024 and I’ve been painting for the last 13 years. Creativity has always been the way that I express myself, and both writing and painting have been my greatest tools to overcome the challenges and hardships in my life.”
But what inspired her to open Effie and the Fox?
“Writing is lonely, lonely work and after 13 years working in isolation, it was time for a change,” said Ms. Daniel. “I am also very concerned about the magnitude of the mental health crisis in all of our communities, and I wanted to be able to create a space and inspire others to make art and cultivate their own creativity. I know first-hand how an art practice can promote wellness and even transform your life.”
So, when it came to coming up with a name for her new endeavour, the creative wanted the name to “feel joyful, where art is accessible to everyone. As I often do, I turned to the natural world for my inspiration. Effie and the Fox was inspired by two woodland animals, a squirrel and a fox. ‘Effie’ is our feisty and adventurous squirrel who is always gathering what she needs to both survive and thrive in her environment. Our ‘fox’ is a clever and mischievous fellow who reminds us that adaptability helps us grow, develop and flourish. Together, both of these animals represent a playfulness that encourages us to stay curious, adapt to our environments and overcome challenges using our inner and outer resources.”
To that end, Effie and the Fox sells a curated selection of fine art supplies across all mediums. “We also carry stationery, gifts, art prints, original art, and soon, we’ll be offering creative workshops in our workshop space.” Those classes will be able to hold up to eight people. “I hope to bring other artists in as well to share their expertise,” she said. “Our gallery space will open next spring and we have an open call for all Indigenous and Canadian artists to showcase their work in our gallery space. We have a form on our website for all submissions.”
The gallery is a wee way off yet, but Ms. Daniel has plans for this winter. “I plan to work with students in the schools,” she said. “I’ll be able to reach more students this way. I’m currently developing a curriculum which links art with the benefits of wellness and mental health. I’m a registered teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers and I hope to start with the students on the Island, and then eventually open it up to classes across the country via Zoom.”
Effie and the Fox is located at 5 Worthington Street, right across from the Anchor Inn. Store hours are: Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The store is closed on Sunday and Monday. Ms. Daniel also has a website: www.effieandthefox.com.
