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She stands majestically overlooking the harbour, sharing the dominance of our iconic skyline with the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Built on the same strategic location of Fort Townsend, an 18th century military fort that protected our city, The Rooms houses and protects all that is dear to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador: our history, our stories, our art and culture.

t. John’s is full of colourful characters; People who always have a story to tell. Laura Higenell, is one of those characters. I met with Laura when I first visited the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation. Her artistic, spirited personality exudes a passion for art and Newfoundland. I was surprised to discover that someone who was so passionate for this place wasn’t actually from here.

"Hmm, this is really going to be something", I thought as I sat in the car on the way to the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation. My co-worker had just filled me in on what to expect and I couldn't wait to hop out of the car the second we pulled into the parking lot. 

Tonight I spent a magical evening amongst the subtle glow of lanterns at the annual St. John’s Lantern Festival. The festival is a fundraiser for Victoria Park in St. John’s historic west end and runs for one day on the last full weekend of July every year.

The Rooms' Junkosphere exhibit, brainchild of artist and dancer/choreographer Nicola Hawkins, is a commentary on how we create, process and throw away all the junk from our accumulated lives - and the impact it has on our fragile environment.