Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
On the weekend of 22/23 August 2026, the highway and back roads guided art lovers to some of the highly creative spots on the Peninsula. Twenty studios featuring 43 artists dotted the rural landscape of the Northern Bruce Peninsula from north of Wiarton to Tobermory.
The annual Studio Tour has grown into the largest in the region. The two-day Studio Tour is organized by the Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists (BPSA). The event has become a destination event drawing art lovers from throughout Grey Bruce and Southern Ontario.
For locals and frequent visitors, the variable weather of the Bruce is not a deterrent to enjoying all that the Bruce has to offer. This year, the inclement weather also encouraged the visitors to look at other options including discovering the creative talents offered by the local artist community. The first-time visitors loved the sense of community and were happy to see the diversity of artwork displayed.
Organizer Charlene Jordan says “despite the rainy weather, attendance was good”. Jordan was thrilled to see many returning visitors, but also so many first-time visitors. She indicates that “everything went smoothly and the art studio tour did as well as the previous years.”
Photo L-R: Jeff (first timer on the Studio Tour) visits with artist Kristin Moore and admires her silver jewelry.
Photo L-R: Art patrons Jennifer and Anita visit with artists Neda and Nick (centre) of Orange Bicycle Creation and artists Bettina and Tanya.
The self-guided event is free to attend. A detailed map offers clear directions to the studios, dining establishments, possible accommodations and supporting businesses.
The Jordans spent several hours placing yellow “Studio Tour” signs along the route to make it easy to locate the studios. For many of the first-time visitors, they accredit this signage as attracting them to the studio tour.
Even if a little damp, the art lovers’ enthusiasm for the event shone through as they sought out a special souvenir, anniversary gift or simply enjoyed beautiful artwork.
The art patrons, both local and from out-of-town, say they appreciate the opportunity to meet the artists and find out first -hand about what inspires them to create their original art.
