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Modern Batik Art Workshops

About Us
Earthsong World Gifts Music Art & Crafts had its beginnings early in Ilse, the Founder's life.  As a Post-War immigrant from Germany, Ilse began her life in Canada at age 6  in Shawinigan, Quebec. Exposed first-hand to the Anglo, Franco- and German-Canadian cultures, she grasped the subtleties of culture, diversity, language, and beliefs.
 
Upon completion of her studies at McGill University, Ilse moved to Ontario and taught High School for more than 30 years. She traveled whenever and wherever she could. Back in Toronto, Ilse began to discover the joys of World Music, mainly at the famous Bamboo Club that existed for many years along Queen Street West. Soon she was managing local bands and promoting events in several clubs.
 
Upon retirement, the travels became more extensive, and Ilse started to sell goods she had purchased overseas at local Toronto venues such as Afrofest, Harbourfront, and the Canadian National Exhibition. In November of 2006, she opened a little store in Cliffside Village, and has since been pushing the business in many exciting directions.
 
As a store, Earthsong offers unique gifts, art, music and jewellery, greeting cards, textiles, and more.  Her most important products are the Shea Butter in the calabash and the Black Soap cakes, which she imports directly from Ghana.
 
From the beginning, Earthsong was more than just a store.  Ilse hosted a variety of events, such as art auctions, bands, reiki evenings, crystal readings, dance classes, nature walks, speakers and the list goes on!  The store has become a place where locals and visitors come to meet, have a chat, and check out the goodies!  There is a refreshing sense of community.
 
As a way to give back, Ilse has also involved Earthsong in the building of  a centre for children orphaned by AIDS in Uganda.  Currently, t-shirts and tanks are being sold as fundraisers, and a major fund-raising event is set for the month of November.
 
Over the summer of 2007, Ilse took the next logical step and purchased a building a few doors along the block, which boasts a full studio for courses, seminars, and presentations.  Earthsong, the store, is located on the main floor, and The Earthsong School is downstairs.  Look under The Earthsong School section for information for our Winter 2008 Session.
 
Life has gone full circle!  Combining her teaching and facilitating skills with her contacts in the music and drama communities, the new centre has become a rich cultural addition to Cliffside Village and the surrounding area..
 
Welcome to Earthsong... more than just a store!
 
    Earthsong Village
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