Studio tour gives platform to local visual artists

Studio tour gives platform to local visual artists

Pictured (L-R) are just two of the 22 artists participating in the upcoming Apples and Arts Studio tour

CORNWALL, Ontario – A group of local artists will be opening up their studios to the public, during the upcoming twenty second edition of the Apples and Arts Studio Tour.

The two-day event, being held this year, on September 28 and 29, is an opportunity for people in the community and beyond, to visit 22 different artists at 12 studio locations from Morrisburg to South Lancaster, explained event coordinator, Heather J. Smith, artist and participant from Bluefront Studio.

Open to everyone, free of charge, it’s not just an exhibit. Visitors will get a chance to see artists at work on one of their pieces, she added. “It’s also opportunity to find out how things are made.”

The tour will feature artists of a variety of mediums, including painters, wood workers, mosaic, glass, pen and ink and more.

“I really enjoy it because I like to see people’s reaction to the things that I’ve made. Any artist likes that.”

Smith, who trained in textile design at Sheridan College, says that she work mostly with glass mosaics, these days, and lately has been combining jewelry elements with the glass to create pieces. “I really like working with small pieces of glass.” She compares her passion for it, to working on a jigsaw puzzle.

“My mosaics, you can hang on the wall. I have done belt buckles, bracelets. There’s all different ways to incorporate mosaics into different pieces of art. And they are one of a kind. You’re not going to see your belt buckle anywhere else.”

With her work, she says, it’s always a challenge to come up with new things every time she has a show. “You want to evolve, so you have to keep working and the ideas come for the next piece.”

Another of the artists participating in the event, Gilles Givogue uses a pencil, pen and ink to unleash his creativity. Drawing mostly wild life, he is also inspired by some architecture – churches, in particular, because of the gothic era – and the lines of tall ships.

A graduate St Lawrence College’s graphic arts and photography programs, Givogue says he had discovered his artistic talent from a young age, particularly in high school.

“It’s an exceptional day to see the talent of the local artists,” said Givogue of the Apples and Arts tour.” “It fills your heart up with culture.”

For further information or to pick up a tour map, drop by The Art Gallery (TAG) Cornwall, at 168 Pitt Street; or call 613-938-7383. Visit www.tagcornwall.ca or tagcornwall on Facebook

Artists wishing to participate in next year’s event of to be put on the mailing lists are to contact Heather J. Smith at Heather@bluefrontstudio.com.

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