Galerie Soutana closes its store

Susan Solowey et Denis Wanamaker ©Francine Loubert

Galerie Soutana closes its store, but the adventure continues!

After welcoming customers from all over the world for the past 23 years, Galerie Soutana is closing the doors of its store, located at Tremblant Resort, on October 31. Its charming owners thus end an important chapter of their life, prior to beginning a new one with their online store @soutana.com

Attracted by the fresh air, the mountain and a healthy way of life, Susan Solowey and Denis Wanamaker left Montreal in 1995 to come to the Laurentians. They fell under the spell of Tremblant Resort, which was just beginning to assume its new life following its recent acquisition by Intrawest. “The beginning was very exciting. The whole place had a young, enthusiastic vibe,” remembers Susan Solowey.

Leaving behind house and business, they set out for Mont-Tremblant with their two teenagers and their dog. Thus was the birth of Galerie Soutana, whose name means “the spirit of the mountain” in 17th century Algonquin. It was the perfect name for this store located at the foot of a mountain bearing the name that is Amerindian in origin and which highlights First Nations culture.

The shop’s calling was to offer works of unique art and craft representative of the Aboriginal cultures of both North and South America. The owners always took great care to select the authentic, handmade artifacts so prized by Mexican, European and Japanese tourists. These latter appreciated the stories and history attached to most of the items, information made available in the native languages of the purchasers. Over the years, works by local artists were added to the treasures available.

A highly enriching experience

Susan and Denis remember well the path they have taken since 1995. In addition to being witnesses to the evolution of the resort, they have seen their own clientele grow and change, and their customers’ tastes and budgets change. Whereas the more costly works of art found purchasers back in the day, nowadays dreamcatchers, music and reproductions of Canadian art are among the most popular items.

It is with mixed emotions that they speak of closing their art gallery. Particularly in that they are the only independent owners who have had a store at Tremblant since the arrival of Intrawest. They are delighted to have experienced enriching encounters and woven many friendships over the years. “It was always exciting for us to meet new people, not just the tourists but the suppliers,” Denis Wanamaker remarks.

They have also been able to count on loyal employees, including Carmen Marcotte and Florence Raynaud, who have worked with them for 18 and 7 years respectively. As to the closeness that they have developed with First Nations and Indigenous peoples, those relationships have meant a great deal. “It does change your ideas about many things. Living changes too,” says the couple, who have a number of Innu and Indigenous friends.

One adventure ends and another begins

Many Tremblant regulars will note the closing of this art gallery, which has always provided a unique experience and a warm welcome. They are also sure to miss the totem pole that will no longer stand in front of the storefront…where so many people have had their pictures taken over the past quarter century. However, they will be able to obtain works of art and handcrafted pieces in the virtual shop “soutana.com”  which will go online in November. Also, please continue to visit their Facebook page.

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