07/19/2026
We are very pleased to currently represent quite a special artist to Side Street Studio. Francisca Hayman and her miniature pots and bowls. Francisca was one of the original 7 women artists that created Side Street Studio 42 years and almost 700 local artists ago. She shared this article that was written about the store in 1986. I have used one of my photo apps to colourize the old photos.
I can’t paste the whole article as it is too long but describes the origin Studio and its founders. A few excerpts. 28 November 15-December 15/86 BUSINESS EXAMINER
Women In Business by Jean Dragushan
Seven women create a “Side Street Studio” success...
Combine seven artists, an empty store on Fell Street and what do you get? If you’re one of the lucky ones who has visited Side Street Studio in Oak Bay, then you’ll know the answer. Side Street is a high calibre craft store owned and operated by seven (yes, seven!) women. The fruits of their labours are tastefully dis- played throughout the handcrafted items store of pottery, weaving, batik, ceramic sculpture and stained glass. Each woman has her unique responsibilities for making the business run, so too does each have a unique artistic product to contribute. Besides Nancy Secter, whose specialty is batik, the artists include potters Shirley-Ann Bertz and Francisca Hayman, weaver Lily Bohlin, stained glass artist Naomi Smith, painter Marjolyn Winkel, and ceramic sculpturist Rita Darling. Side Street Studio also accepts consignment items fully screened and approved by all seven. Oak Bay Living Oak Bay Tourism YAM Magazine Shop Local CANADA
