Celebrating Winnipeg, in all its quirky glory
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This article was published 25/02/2022 (469 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
From the Nutty Club man to the towering neon Thunderbird sign on McPhillips Street — Winnipeg has a fascinating array of local landmarks. Many of these important icons have been beautifully captured by Happyland Print Shop.
The company is the brainchild of local artist and graphic designer Kristin McPherson. She has captured and highlighted Winnipeg historical attractions and traditions in her creations since launching Happyland in 2012. Beginning with a few prints inspired by Winnipeg neighbourhoods, Happyland’s range of products has grown and continues to celebrate the very best of our city. Treasured staples of bygone days, including the Shanghai, Kelekis, Dutch Maid ice cream, and the Odeon Drive-In are honoured with vintage-inspired prints. These striking works of art have been framed by customers across Winnipeg, Canada and around the world.
McPherson has worked as a graphic designer since 2004 and says that Winnipeg’s quirkiness inspired her to honour the city and its prized features.
“I had the classic love-it-and-hate-it relationship with Winnipeg that so many others do. With Happyland, I’ve found my niche in identifying things that are unique to our city experience, infusing some humour, then, creating beautiful designs around it.”
Wedding socials, dainty trays, Jeanne’s cakes and even pinching perogies — these are all snippets of Winnipeg that have been woven into our local fabric and are represented in the work of Happyland. Did you know if you offered ‘dainties’ to an out-of-town guest, they would likely be aghast? Elsewhere, it is slang for underwear. Visitors are often surprised to discover a shortbread crust under Winnipeg’s famous cake — trust us, even the Queen approves.
Happyland’s neighbourhood art collection features many of the city’s neighbourhoods and their peculiar distinctions. From Transcona’s national bird to Charleswood’s urban ditches, the roster keeps growing. Garden City was recently added and has been a hit with current and former residents.
“I spent quite a bit of time hanging out in Garden City as a teenager. When I think of the neighbourhood, I picture the quiet, pleasant streets lined with beautiful houses and the well-kept lawns and flower beds.”
McPherson illustrated many of Garden City’s floral street names, which showcase the suburb’s very fitting name.
“I loved all the street names, and they were a major inspiration. I always try and incorporate unique details about each neighbourhood into my work” McPherson says.
The Happyland collection continues to grow and McPherson is always on the lookout for new nuggets of nostalgia for inspiration. Many of her ideas come from documenting old signs, local advertising and even vintage matchbooks.
McPherson’s creations pay tribute to Winnipeg and remind us of its beloved uniqueness. Happyland products can be found at local shops, including Pollock’s Hardware and Black Market Provisions. The full Happyland collection is available at www.happyland.shop
She will also be hosting a Backland Bazaar market on May 7, with details and location to be announced closer to the date.
Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com
Daniel Guenther
Garden City community correspondent
Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com