Now in its sixth year, the annual Wall of H’arts event epitomizes the joyful spirit of Twiss & Weber. “Visual artist Ali Fowler truly represents our customer demographic,” says the boutique’s co-owner, Laura Twiss. “She’s an interesting, artistic businesswoman who’s also an avid traveler. She’s a mother, she’s stylish and she shares our sensibility of shopping locally.”

The Wall of Hart’s works so well in this destination shop – where unique, comfortable clothing is designed and sewn on site – because the roughly 200 four by four inch canvas H’Arts serve many purposes. They can be delightful additions to a collection or a pretty alternative gift that expresses love in a beautiful form.

To make the event extra-festive, Ali and her partner, local artist Andrew King, will once again create an original and outstanding window display that is captivating and colourful for dull, grey February.

As in the past, the Wall of H’Arts will only be available for five days, and a sell-out is expected. To eliminate the long lineups in the cold that have occurred in previous years due to the H’Arts’ overwhelming popularity, Twiss & Weber invites eager shoppers to pop in and pick up a priority shopping number on Sunday February 10, beginning at 11 am, at which time they can also view the Wall and take notes or make a mental wish list of their favourite canvases, priced at just $60 each. The sale launches at 2 pm sharp on Sunday, running till 8 pm that day; it continues from Monday, February 11 through Thursday, February 14, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, or until all the hearts have found a home, whichever comes first.

It’s not uncommon on H’Arts week to see lots of passers-by of all ages lingering on Wellington Street, admiring both the window and the within. The H’Arts have spawned a large group of avid collectors, many of whom post pictures of their own growing Walls of H’Arts on the event’s Facebook page. “The year I found out I was pregnant I bought my first H’Art,” notes Hintonburg’s Heather Fraser. “My daughter is going to be eight this year and my wall is filling up!”

For more fresh FINDs from Wellington West, check back here every Tuesday!

Keyword tags: WWBIA, Wellington West, hearts, Valentine’s Day, gifts, H’Art, H’Arts, Wall of H’Arts, Alison Fowler, Andrew King, boutique, atelier, clothing, Canadian, shop local, painting, design, art show, art sale, gifts from the heart

photo by Jason Fournier