Stained Glass Auction Supports Restoration of Historic Fishing Stage

Efforts to restore a beloved fishing stage in Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland and Labrador, are gaining momentum following a devastating fire that destroyed two historic structures on July 30, 2023. A stained glass panel representing one of the stages, crafted by local artist David Pye of SGO Designer Glass, was auctioned off for $1,250. The proceeds from the auction will directly support fundraising initiatives aimed at rebuilding the iconic fishing stage.

Pye expressed his deep connection to the fishing stages, noting their significance to both residents and visitors. “It’s such a beautiful area, and you can’t help but gaze at the cliffside and see all the pretty stages along the way,” he said. “When I heard that they had burned, I felt a real sense of loss.” His stained glass representation captures the essence of these structures, which have long been a source of community pride and a popular backdrop for photographs.

The winning bid came from Nicole Parker, who purchased the artwork as a gift for her father. Originally from Nova Scotia and now residing in Alberta, Parker shared that the fishing stages evoke cherished memories from her childhood. “We used to take family trips to Newfoundland,” she recalled. “The last one we took was in 1998 when I was a teenager. I remember going to Quidi Vidi at that time.”

Parker had been searching for a meaningful gift for her father when she discovered Pye’s stained glass piece. “When I saw this auction piece come up, I thought, ‘Wow, this is really baking many cakes with one pan,’ so to speak,” she said, highlighting the artwork’s beauty and significance. She views her contribution as a way to participate in the rebuilding efforts and to honor the memories tied to the fishing stages.

The fire that consumed the stages left a visible void in the Quidi Vidi landscape, but the community’s response has been one of resilience and support. Pye’s initiative, alongside Parker’s generous purchase, exemplifies the commitment to restoring what was lost.

As the local community rallies to revive the fishing stages, there is a collective hope that they will once again stand as symbols of heritage and beauty in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pye concluded, “When you lose something like that, it does mean something to you. And I certainly would love to see them rebuilt again.”

The art auction not only supports the restoration efforts but also serves as a reminder of the shared history and experiences that bind the community together. As fundraising continues, many look forward to seeing the fishing stages restored to their former glory, celebrating both the past and the future of Quidi Vidi.