By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
Many year-round residents, cottagers, their families and friends eagerly look forward to the Artisan Studio Tour which takes place every year on the 3rd weekend in August. Visitors came from Sauble Beach, Waterloo, London, Hamilton and Peterborough. A few visitors indicated that after visiting the Studios for the first time last year, they decided to make their trip a two day visit this year.
The 2024 Studio Tour included 35 returning artists and 11 new artists, allowing the patrons to visit with their favorite artists and be introduced to artists joining the Tour for the first time.
This year’s offerings showcased an array of local creative talent, from watercolours, oil and acrylic paintings, photographs, handcrafted canoe paddles, metal, wire and stone creations, wood turning, wood sculptures, fibre art, clay art, jewelry, hand woven/knit/dyed textile products, to kiln-fired glass and pottery, as well as a visit to a lavender farm.
Held on August 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m daily, the Studio Tour hosted by the Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists took patrons along the highway and country roads from Tobermory to Cape Chin/Dyers Bay, Dorcas Bay to Lion’s Head /Ferndale/Lakewood and to the North Wiarton/Oliphant area.
The patrons say there was much to see with 26 studios and 46 artists to visit and marveled at the extensive artistic talent here in North Bruce. One of the patrons complimented the well designed Tour map saying it was easy to follow and the descriptions of the artists were very accurate. Many patrons say they felt that they got to know the artists better and it is always fun to be able to visit the artists in their own creative surroundings. The patrons especially enjoyed the baked goods they were offered at various venues.
The dining options along the Tour route proved to be very popular, allowing the patrons to make it a full day outing.
The artists were pleased with the turnout, with many reporting that Saturday afternoon and Sunday were their busiest times.
