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The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Treaty 6 Territory and Region 4 of the Metis Nation of Alberta. We respect this as the traditional and contemporary  land of diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Nitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe/Saulteaux/Ojibwe and Dene Peoples. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people who make Alberta their home today.

Anita Simpatico

EDMONTON, AB | Conscious of how much waste they were contributing, Anita and her husband discovered beeswax wraps during a trip to Canmore. Once home, Anita began researching and making her own, eventually creating her company, Simpatico Makers. Now obsessed with making beeswax wraps and bags, Anita creates a variety of sizes and design, many of which are available at shopAGA. 

Meet the Artist

Why did you start creating beeswax wraps?

My husband and I have always been concious of waste. Always trying to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can. I also like to make anything myself as much as I can, when I can. It all started one day when I had half an onion. I wrapped it with plastic wrap and placed it in the fridge. Five minutes later, I went back to use the onion and threw away the plastic wrap. I thought "what a waste." It just so happened I was in Canmore days later and saw some beeswax wraps, which I noticed were pre-cut in squares. Thinking this might be something I can try at home myself, I hopped on the internet and started researching. I became obsessed with trying to make them. Finally, after months of thinking, I came up with beeswax wrap in rolls. My idea with the rolls was to not limit the customer with size. Sometimes you need more than a square to cover what you need. ASlso, I wanted them to be affordablw. I believe everyone should have an opportunity to afford them. 

How much longer does beeswax wrap help freshness?

Using beeswax wraps is different from plastic wrap. We are used to thinking that preventing air from getting to food will keep it fresh longer. However, after using wax wraps for three years, I find that is not the case. In my experience, beeswax wrap allows air to circulate around food, keeping it from spoiling. The air circulation may dry out the food, but the mold/slimy film occurs very seldom. For example, I had radishes sitting in a beeswax bag for over a month, they shrivelled up to the size of raisins but did NOT go bad. Merely dehydrated. In my opinion, beeswax wrap prevents food from spoiling, allowing it to dehydrate instead. Dehydrated food is still edible, so you throw away less spoiled food. 

It does start cracking once the wraps start getting used. This is normal. I don't use any oils or resins to the wax, it is 100% pure beeswax. I source it locally from an apiary north of Edmonton. An easy way to get rid of the cracks is to rejuvenate the wax wrap. To do this, place the wax wrap between 2 pieces of parchment paper, and iron. The wax will melt back into the cotton and you will have a brand new looking wrap, the same goes for bags too. 

Some of my favorite things to use wax wrap/bags for is cheese, veggies, sandwiches. We even used it as a plate while we were skiing. 

How can I clean my beeswax wrap?

Washing wax wraps and bags is easy - use warm soapy water and rinse. I have even tried hot water, and nothing happens. The wrap softens but stiffens back up again once it cools. I have scrubbed mine and dunked them in water, really trying to be hard on them and have found they are quite sturdy. 

Hours

Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 11am-5pm
Thursday: 11am-7pm
Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm

Admission

* Restrictions apply. Please see our Hours and Admissions page.

AGA members
$Free
Youth 0-17
$Free
Alberta students 18+
$Free
Out-of-province students
$10
General admission
$14
Seniors 65+
$10

Location

2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5J 2C1

780.422.6223
info@youraga.ca

Directions

The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Treaty 6 Territory and Region 4 of the Metis Nation of Alberta. We respect this as the traditional and contemporary  land of diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Nitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe/Saulteaux/Ojibwe and Dene Peoples. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people who make Alberta their home today.