A new business in Port Alberni’s Uptown district offers a creative hub for aspiring artists and musicians.
Frogwerkz is a new business occupying one half of the building on the corner of Third Avenue and Argyle Street that used to house The Power of Three. Frogwerkz, which is owned by Coleton Whiteraven and his partner Mollie, offers classes in music, as well as visual arts.
Mollie is a multi-instrumentalist who plays (and teaches) piano, violin, viola, cello and flute. Coleton, a former jeweler and hand-engraver, teaches glass work, lapidary work and jewelry making. He and Mollie recently moved from the United States to Vancouver Island, with the goal of opening a community space to share their passion for art and teaching.
The name “Frogwerkz” started out as an inside joke, as “Frog” is a nickname of Mollie’s.
“On a violin bow, the very end of it is a frog,” explained Coleton.
The business has been open since November 2023 and has drawn quite a bit of interest already. After The Power of Three closed in summer 2023, the large retail space was divided into two halves. One half is now occupied by The Madman’s Wife, a retail store that sells clothing, accessories and other gifts. The other half is occupied by Frogwerkz.
“This space is magic, actually,” said Mollie. “It’s better than any other space we’ve been in. It’s so open and airy, and there are so many opportunities for teaching. We love our neighbours, and we love this little corner of the world.”
Right now, the shop is open mostly by appointment, but Coleton and Mollie are hoping to run some scheduled workshops in the future—teaching people to make things like jewelry, stained glass panels, sandblasted objects or almost anything else they can imagine. Most workshops will be available for all ages.
“With these workshops, we’re hoping people can actually take away useful pieces,” said Coleton.
People can keep up to date on what’s happening in Frogwerkz with their Facebook group “Frogwerkz Hoppenings.” They can also be contacted at frogwerkzbc@gmail.com or by calling 250-730-3065.
“Or you can stop by and ring the doorbell,” said Coleton.