Left to Die by Gary Collins


Date: Apr 11
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Coffee & Culture

2024 marks the 110th Anniversary of the historic convergence of ice, seals, and men in late March 1914 and the grim reminder of the dangers of the hunt.

Join award-winning author, Gary Collins as he shares his personal connection to the dramatic stories of men, both young and old, from all over the province that year to pursue the annual seal hunt. Among the vessels that took them to the ice was the S.S. Newfoundland, a wooden-walled steamship captained by Westbury Kean. With no wireless aboard the ship, the stage was set for seventy-eight of the men who went over the side and their fates sealed.

Tickets: $12 (plus HST). Free for Rooms Members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090. Includes admission to the exhibitions and a coffee from The Rooms Café.

About the Author:

Gary Collins was born in Hare Bay, Bonavista North. He spent fifty years in the logging and sawmilling business with his father, Theophilus, and son, Clint. Gary was once Newfoundland’s youngest fisheries guardian. He managed log drives down spring rivers for years, spent seven seasons driving tractor-trailers over ice roads and the Beaufort Sea of Canada’s Western Arctic, and has been involved in the crab, lobster, and cod commercial fisheries. In 2016, he joined the Canadian Rangers.

Gary has written numerous books, including the award-winning children’s illustrated book; What Color is the Ocean, which he co-wrote with his granddaughter, Maggie Rose Parsons.

Gary’s first novel, The Last Beothuk, won the inaugural NL Reads literary competition, administered by the CBC, and was long-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award.

Gary’s latest work, Away from My Island: The True Story of Eliza Gill is a story of family, heroism, and ultimate sacrifice

Today's Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:15 am
Family

Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.

January 28th sessions take place in the exhibition - Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works

Who's invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies; if your baby is on the move, check out our other TOTS programs.)

Monthly sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.

About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.

Cost: $15 plus HST per session. Cost includes 1 caregiver and 1 infant. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Family

Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.

January 28th sessions take place in the exhibtion Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works

Who's invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies; if your baby is on the move, check out our other TOTS programs.)

Monthly sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.

About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.

Cost: $15 plus HST per session. Cost includes 1 caregiver and 1 infant. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Winter may be here, but there’s no need to stay home!

Join us at The Rooms to exercise and socialize during this colder and drearier time of year. While strolling throughout the building and enjoying both the exhibitions and the views, participants will focus on a different spotlight item from our collection each week. After our stroll, staff will lead a brief discussion on the weekly spotlight, and then everyone is encouraged to stay and socialize with friends new and old.

No registration is needed. Included with the cost of admission ($7.80 plus HST for seniors), free for members.

For further information, please contact catherineoneill@therooms.ca

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

Fishing for Cod

For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women, and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish.”

Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow Tour, there is something for everyone.

Each tour is approximately 30–40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for a conversation between The Rooms Curator of Contemporary Art, Mireille Eagan and Elbow Room resident, Nasim Makaremi Nia as they discuss her practice, inspiration, and new exhibition Nasim Makaremi Nia: Entangled.

Nasim Makaremi Nia is an Iranian-born visual artist based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Working across drawing, sculpture, and installation, she explores how migration, memory, and identity shape belonging. For more information on the artist visit: Nasim Makaremi Nia: Entangled | The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador

This is a free program but a ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.