BraeVal’s Scottish Roots Offers Holiday Gifts Inspired by Heritage

Admittedly gift giving can be kind of selfish… what’s better than that feeling of satisfaction knowing you have found something wonderful for that special someone on your list? At BraeVal, one of Connecticut’s treasures located in the heart of Litchfield, shoppers will find something that is unique and not mass–produced at a variety of price points. Best of all, this is a shopping experience where folks not only get to see and feel the quality of this upmarket brand in person, but they also get to meet the founder of the company and learn how his heritage inspired him.

The story of BraeVal goes way back in American and Scottish history. It all began when Gregor McCluskey’s Great Uncle, Big Jock McCluskey was caught poaching on the land of a great Scottish Lord, not once but twice! It was then that Big Jock decided to leave Scotland for America because he believed that he would be free to hunt, fish, and wander, without trespassing on any royal estates.

 

In America, Big Jock McCluskey became a bounty hunter, fur trader, and gold miner. It was as a fur trader with Native Americans where Big Jock stuck gold. He became famous for trading his red and black tartan plaid with many Native Americans who were amazed at its deep red color. Legend has it that Native Americans had never seen such cloth dyed a brighter red and believed it was made from the blood of McCluskey’s prey and enemies. Today, we know this fabric as Buffalo Plaid.

BraeVal, a Scottish word for Upland Rivers is a love affair between Gregor McCluskey’s American soul and his Scottish heritage. Today’s clothing conceptualized by Gregor, a relative of Big Jock, exemplifies this because each piece is not designed; rather each piece is engineered with features found nowhere else and accented with authentically made Buffalo Plaid. McCluskey often says he channels his Great Uncle’s love of the great outdoors and the many summers he spent in Scotland when creating something new for BraeVal.

There are many things that make BraeVal’s clothing distinctive. First off, it is engineered to be the best of the best because it is infused with the style and finish of European sporting fashion that has been time-tested in the field, out on the town, and then merged with American comfort. The shirts are made of proprietary Tierra fabric made of ring-spun Merino wool and long staple Egyptian cotton developed by McCluskey that results in an eco-friendly machine washable garment. The shirts are comfortable, durable, breathable, and a natural alternative to synthetics. All of BraeVal’s limited designed tartans and checks are an exclusive contemporary interpretation of historic patterns found nowhere else, ensuring that BraeVal’s customers stand out in the crowd. Best of all, and too many to mention, BraeVal’s garments offer many unique features – shirts for example, have a hidden bi-swing back, triple stitching, roll-up sleeve stays, below-the-waist pockets, and many more features.

 

BraeVal is located at 3 South Street in Litchfield and is open from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. through December. For online orders http://braeval.net.

 

About BRÃEVAL

BraeVal is a Scottish word for the Upland River Valleys that exist between the mountains and rugged brae of the Scottish highlands, where streams and rivers tumble to loch and sea. It is pronounced 'brave-all'. It is a land of arduous challenges in a place where sporting adventure is welcomed as part of a very robust lifestyle. The name was chosen because it symbolizes the special sense of outdoor adventure that excites all sportsmen and women. At BraeVal, they believe that this imagery holds the heart of every sporting adventurer who ever hiked beyond the view of the town. BraeVal is a lifestyle brand of clothing that has endured for generations. They are an original American design born of comfort that offers time-tested classics in the Scottish tradition. Located in Litchfield Connecticut.

 

  

Holiday Market Features Indigenous Artists & @ Institute for American Indian Studies November 25 & 26, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10

Once again this year, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington is hosting a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience that celebrates Native American culture. What makes this Holiday Market unique is that it offers both deeply traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions rooted in Native American cultural experience. Artists represented here are some of the finest working in the area today. It is a celebration of Native American diversity and inspiration.

Primitive Technologies 

The Holiday Market throughout the Institute’s impressive exhibition galleries takes place on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, and Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. The final weekend for the holiday market is on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10. The market is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This is one of the few Holiday Markets that showcases only Native American-inspired artwork. 

There are so many gifts to choose from including Native American jewelry, paintings, photography, apparel, and candles, to decorative gourds, pottery, rattles, flutes, and more at a variety of price points. The chance to talk with the artists who have created these one-of-a-kind objects and to learn about the culture that inspired them makes your gift purchase even more meaningful.

For music lovers, musicians, and collectors, the magical-sounding authentic Woodland Native American flutes handcrafted by Allen Madahbee are truly unique. Madahbee is an Anishinaabe, born on Manitoulin Island, and is a registered Native American in Canada and the United States. In addition to the one-of-a-kind flutes, Madahbee is offering handmade beaded moccasins, woodcarvings, rock sculptures, and original paintings inspired by his ancestors and experiences. 

Another vendor, Kim Lewis from Native Visions will be offering an astounding array of Native American Art from Oklahoma and the Southwest including a fine selection of original paintings and prints, Zuni Fetishes, silver jewelry, pottery by Mel Cornshucker, plus Hopi, and Navajo Kachinas. 

A long-time favorite of the Holiday Market is Primitive Technologies, a nationally known small business that has worked with everyone from filmmakers to museum curators to recreate the material culture of prehistoric Native American life. They offer exquisite wood-fired replica pottery, hand-constructed from local river clay, hand-carved flint arrowheads and flint animal necklaces, carved stone art, traditional stone tools, containers made out of natural materials, unusual jewelry, and decorative gourds. 

Jeanne Morningstar Kent, a recognized Abenaki artist and enrolled member of the Nulhegan Band, Coosuk-Abenaki of Vermont will be offering her artfully crafted decorative gourds in all sizes. Kent’s work is housed in many museum collections including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian Studies, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Roger Williams University, Chimney Point Museum, and many more. What makes these gourds unusual is that they utilize traditional Abenaki and Wabanaki designs. 

Brandy Sawyer Emmans of Cherokee descent and owner of bthunder will once again be at the holiday market. Runway model for the Sky Eagle Collection, Native American educator, and advocate for MMIW (Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women), bthunder offers an evocative selection of contemporary Native American-inspired art, jewelry, apparel, candles, and accessories.

Not to be missed is Eva Newell, an enrolled citizen of the Pokanoket Tribe, Pokanoket Nation in Rhode Island. Eva is a multi-talented artist who offers a range of artwork including beadwork, coil baskets, paintings, and glass mosaic storyteller vases. When she is not vending, Eva is an exhibit artist and craft instructor who has worked with institutions throughout New England."Newell's beadwork and baskets are also extraordinary. Eva will be participating during the December 9th and 10^th market only.

The Museum's Gift Shop will be open and brimming with gifts large and small in many price ranges. Here you will find a distinctive collection of Native American jewelry, including wampum jewelry crafted by Annawon Weeden, Mashpee Wampanoag, and Pequot artist Dan Simonds, head of the Wampum Wear Collective. A highlight is the jewelry and gift items from Eighth Generation, owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe in Seattle, which partners with Native artists across the country. The result is some of the most beautiful and authentic items available. 

For foodies, there is a wonderful selection of traditional Native American food products from Sweet Grass Trading Company from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. And, in the spirit of the Metis culture, Pemmican Patty’s products offer a selection of bison berry-blended jerky that will connect you with Native foodways and nutrition. The gift shop also has a good selection of books and children’s items. 

Although entrance to the museum and the Holiday Market are free, donations are always appreciated. A tour of the museum for a nominal fee is a fun and insightful experience that compliments this unique shopping experience. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Annual Holiday Open Studios at Whiting Mills: A Creative Extravaganza for the Whole Family December 2 and 3

 

The historic Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted, Connecticut, invites friends from far and wide to join them for their Annual Holiday Open Studios event on December 2nd and 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This unique venue, which opened its doors in 2004, is a hub for artists, craftspeople, retail shops, and small manufacturing companies, and a center for the artistic community, and social events. Once again this year, visitors will find that the holiday spirit is alive and well at Whiting Mills!

The Whiting Mills' semi-annual Open Studio events have earned a stellar reputation, drawing visitors from near and far. It's a destination for the public to connect with our resident and guest artists, explore their creations, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local art scene. Attendees can expect a diverse range of artists showcasing their creations, making it the perfect opportunity to find exceptional holiday gifts. From exquisite greeting cards, handmade jewelry, and elegant pottery to scented candles, original paintings, evocative curiosities, and much more, there's something for everyone's holiday wish list. The first studio you will see when entering the Mill- #305 is Tina’s Baskets. Master weaver, Tina Puckett is a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven art, artful baskets, and dimensional weaving. Visiting her colorful studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and cherished for years to come. When visiting Tina’s Baskets don’t forget to enter the drawing to win a free basket that is ideal for holiday merriment.

Whiting Mills has organized a thrilling scavenger hunt for the young ones on Sunday that will provide hours of entertainment for the kids. Additionally, Santa Claus himself will be available for photos on Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m., ensuring magical memories for the entire family. And for the adults, they’re spicing up the event with an "Ugly Sweater Contest" on Saturday around 3:30 p.m. So don’t forget to put on your most outlandish holiday sweater and compete for the title of the merriest and ugliest! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. If you have worked up an appetite, no worries, there is plenty to eat and drink. To tantalize your taste buds, Whiting Mills is thrilled to have the Kraftwich Food Truck on-site. Kraftwich specializes in American comfort food, and its delicious offerings will be available for purchase. This event is made possible through collaboration with the Warner Theater in Torrington, CT, and we're excited to join forces to celebrate the arts and the holiday season. Best of all, admission to the Annual Holiday Open Studios at Whiting Mills is free, and we offer ample free parking for your convenience. Join us on December 2nd and 3rd for a weekend of art, entertainment, and holiday cheer. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with local artists and support their incredible work.

Tellabration! A Celebration of Oral Tradition November 18 in Washington Connecticut

Storytelling is how we communicate. We share experiences and knowledge through stories. Tellabration! was started by internationally acclaimed storyteller J.G.”Paw Paw” Pinkerton in Connecticut in 1988 as a means of building community through storytelling. The following year it expanded nationwide under the umbrella of the Storytelling Network, and by 1998, there was Tellabration! events in cities and towns around the world. 

Guests are invited to join the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, November 18 at 1 p.m. for a Tellabration! at the Washington Montessori School on 240 Litchfield Road in Washington, Connecticut. Guests will enjoy an amazing array of stories that are personal, traditional, humorous, historical, poetic, spiritual, and instructional. Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and Education Director at IAIS) will make history come alive from the oral traditions of her indigenous ancestors that have been passed down and preserved from one generation to the next. Motoko, whose repertoire includes Asian folktales, Rakugo and Zen tales, and oral memoirs from her childhood in Osaka, Japan, will enchant audiences of every age. Drawing from her own travels, internationally known storyteller Valerie Tutson will bring to life an assortment of myths, folktales, and historical accounts from the African continent and African Diaspora. 

After the storytellers have concluded their performances, there will be an open mic opportunity for up-and-coming storytellers to share their stories with a live audience. 

One of the many important takeaways from this event is that the audience will learn that the art of storytelling is not just reading from a book. It’s a performance that captures the essence of what a book or folktale wants to convey and brings people together. Storytelling is one of the most important ways in which we come to understand our world. 

 Participants are asked to pre-register for this event by visiting https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13983 The price of participation is $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the Institute. This program is supported by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities in partnership with the CT. Storytelling Center.

 About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.