Graham Thomas, long-time Merrickville artist, in collaboration with Kristi
Hyllekve has announced the release of their new book: “An Artistic Romp
Through Merrickville’s First Century”.

The book contains a collection of twenty-nine illustrations of Merrickville’s
residential and commercial architecture from the early to the mid-19th
century and paintings of current scenes, focusing on the village’s stone
structures. The illustrations were painted over a span of twelve years, and
include Sam Jakes Inn, the Blockhouse, the Jakes Block (Baldachin), the
Aaron Block (Mirick’s landing) and the houses owned by the William Merrick
family. Thomas’ styles include watercolour, pen-and-ink, and a combination
of both media.

Prior to arriving in Canada in 1967, to visit Expo 67 in Montreal — and
forgetting to go back home — Graham studied basic Art and Design at
Nottingham College of Art and Industrial Design/Furniture Design at the
Central School of Art and Design in London, England.
Graham has been a resident of Merrickvile since December 1974. He is a
founding member of Theatre Night in Merrickville – TNIM and a member of the
Merrickville Artists’ Guild – MAG. During the early years of TNIM, he
designed several posters and programs as well as acting in many of the
productions. He joined MAG in 1991 and has participated in the annual Fall
Studio Tours as a watercolour artist.
From 1978 through 1983 Graham was commissioned by Parks Canada to illustrate
several interpretive booklets and displays of various sites: Merrickville,
Rideau and Trent Canals, and various historic sites along the St. Lawrence
River. So began his interest in the buildings and history of Merrickville.
The NCC also commissioned illustrations for several projects such as
Kingsmere, Bytown and Parliament Hill.
Since retiring as a project manager in office accommodation, he runs his
studio and gallery out of his home on Brock Street East.

Kristi Hyllekve became interested in Merrickville’s cultural past when she
conducted horse-and-carriage historic tours in the mid-1990s. A world
traveller, Kristi lived in 10 countries — including Norway, New Zealand,
Scotland, Czech Republic, Russia and France — before settling in
Merrickville, Formerly a Russian Professor, Kristi turned her energies to
globalization (language and culture) and now focuses on cultural
intelligence. She runs her business, Global Consulting and Writing Services,
from home on Brock Street East.