Lumel Studios is a glass blowing studio in downtown Whitehorse, co-located with Gather Cafe and Taphouse, a small eclectic restaurant.
Visitors can learn how to blow glass themselves or watch artists create uniquely northern pieces. In the gallery they can enjoy a range of unique and colourful glass creations while sipping a delicious latte.
Gather Cafe offers a quirky, cozy atmosphere and a mouthwatering menu filled with locally sourced food and beverages. Guests will love the cheerful atmosphere and are invited to relax in a friendly community.
Gather Cafe and Taphouse is named after a glass blowing term that refers to the gathering of molten glass from the furnace on the punty or blowpipe. It’s also a tribute to gathering all things local under one roof. John and Shanta Ferguson are the owners of Gather and they opened their passion project within Lumel Studios at the beginning of 2021.
Lumel Studios, a glass blowing studio which opened in 2016, has become a communal hub of inclusivity making it the perfect fit for Gather which holds the same beliefs and philosophies. Every piece of glass at Gather comes from Lumel Studios. Special moulds were brought in to create a consistent Gather presentation but each piece remains unique and full of character and colour.
Joining John and Shanta at Gather, is head chef, Daniela Sibaja. Daniela grew up in Costa Rica and attended culinary school there. The three of them have created a menu that combines Daniela’s Latin roots, their favourite flavours and recipes from the heart.
John spent many years working in the craft beer industry in Alberta and brings his love and knowledge of craft beer and mixology to the drink menu. Each drink is carefully thought out and the cocktail recipes are a mixologist's dream. They also offer alchohol-free mocktails for adults who love a fancy drink without the alcohol. Great for kids too!
Shanta worked as a barista before studying Business Administration and she brings the coffees and teas to life.
All three are passionate about collaborating with and utilizing all the incredible Yukon businesses that are available. Ingredients are sourced as close to home as possible and include local flavors from Cold Acre, Yukon Born and Raised, Icy Waters Arctic Char, Firebean Coffee Roasters, Free Pour Jenny’s, Solstice Ciderworks, Winterlong Brewing, Yukon Brewing Company, Summit Kombucha, Alpine Bakery and Cultured Fine Cheese… just to name a few.
You’ll find more information at gatheryukon.ca.
Lumel Studios was an idea created when the owner, Luann Baker-Johnson, was completing a double major at Alberta University of Arts. She went to art school to heal, to grow and to learn to laugh again after her oldest daughter died from Leukemia at 19 years old. Through her experience she knows that the very act of glass blowing creates strength from fragility and her grief intertwines with who she is and plays an important role in how Lumel Studios is managed.
Lumel’s ashwork pieces are created with cremated remains that people bring in or send by mail to Lumel. Each individual piece is created with care and compassion. The artists have created a beer stein for a son in New Brunswick so that he can drink with his dad again. They blew a huge ball to commemorate a mother who loved to garden. And they have sent pendants and blown Northern Lights orbs across Canada and the United States.
You can view all of the ash pieces at ashcreationsbylumel.com.
Over recent years Lumel has been increasing their online presence with a website that showcases their gorgeous hand-crafted artisan glassware and ash work.
The collection includes series such as the Northern Lights Series, Happiness Series, Yukon Wildlife Series, Yukon River Series and many more. The website is a great place to explore the beautiful work made by world class artisans and get to know more about Lumel’s dedication to the community and the visitors who walk through its doors.
Luann has lived life well, travelled extensively and lived in Austria, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and Canada. But she has always called the Yukon home since growing up there and like many, knows firsthand of the magic and the call of the land up north.
View the Lumel gallery at shop.lumelstudios.com
