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

This session is full but we've added a 12:30 pm time slot!
 

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.

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.

Secure your spot in this unique program that blends art, music, and infant development!

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 - 12:30 pm
Family

This session is full but we've added a 12:30 time slot!
 

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 experiencing the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.
 

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 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. Registration includes 1 caregiver and 1 child. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709)757-8090.

12:30 pm - 1:30 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 experiencing the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.
 

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 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. Registration includes 1 caregiver and 1 child. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709)757-8090.

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.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Deck the Halls with Handmade Cheer!

Get into the festive spirit with a cozy, creative evening project! Perfect for beginners and crafty folks of all skill levels, this small project is a wonderful way to spend time with friends or family—including teens—while making something special for your home.

What to Expect:

  • Craft a colourful seasonal wreath using traditional techniques such as braiding fabrics, yarn wrapping, and needle felting
  • Visit the holiday décor and trees throughout the building
  • Sip on a coffee or hot chocolate while you craft
  • Leave with a unique holiday wreath and warm memories of a joyful evening together

Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090. Limited seats available.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
House of Wooden Santas

A Christmas Tradition is Back by Popular Demand!

Join author Kevin Major for a fireside conversation and a reading of The House of Wooden Santas, followed by a Q&A and a visit to see all 24 Santas.

The House of Wooden Santas is a deeply felt story about belief in oneself and others, and the spirit of the season. Kevin shares how the carvings of Imelda George inspired him to write this Christmas classic, photographed by Ned Pratt.

Cost: Adult $12 (+HST), Child/Youth $6 (+HST). Free for Rooms Members. Ticket includes admission to The Rooms galleries. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

The House of Wooden Santas book is available for purchase in The Rooms Giftshop.