With art galleries closed for much of the COVID-19 pandemic, artists have been unable to show their work for months and art lovers have been equally deprived of indulging their passion.
So it’s great news that the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour is going ahead for 2020 — but with the proper pandemic precautions in place, including requiring physical distancing and face coverings.
This is the 27th year of the renowned annual tour, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20th.
The free self-guided tour features 27 artists in 13 studios across North Kawartha Township in Peterborough County, with an additional studio located in nearby Wollaston Township in Hastings County.
Every year, new artists apply for Apsley Autumn Studio Tour and are admitted through a juried process. Many live in the area, while others are guest artists.
This year’s participants again cover the gamut of the visual arts, including painting, jewellery, glass art, mosaics, woodworking, sculpture, fabric and fibre art, pottery, photography, and metalwork. As well as seeing their work, the tour provides you with the opportunity to meet welcoming artists in person.
All you need to participate is a vehicle and the tour map (see below). You can make a day trip (there are local eateries in the area where you can stop for refreshments) or make a weekend of it by staying at local accommodations such as the Burleigh Falls Inn or Viamede Resort.
For your convenience, here’s a summary in alphabetical order of the artists and artisans participating in the 2020 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, including their disciplines and the studios where you can find them (watch for the black-and-white studio tour signs that mark each studio location, which are listed on the map below).
Brendan Cane (Photography, Studio B)
Brendan has many hobbies, but has the most to show for — and is most passionate about — the art of landscape photography.
Read more about Brendan Cane.
Rachel Charlebois (Metal Sculpture, Studio R)
Rachel returns to the Apsley Studio Tour, where she loves to meet new people and see familiar faces as she shares her love of metalwork with visitors.
Read more about Rachel Charlebois.
Megan Cole (Sculpture, Studio A)
An emerging artist, Megan has participated in various group shows in Peterborough, and has had several pieces auctioned off by the Art Gallery of Peterborough, as well as having a painting in their inaugural triennial exhibition.
Read more about Megan Cole.
Rachel Conlin (Artisan Wool & Soap, Studio O)
Rachel has introduced her artisan soaps to compliment the unique wools she’s been recognized for. She began experimenting with herbs from the garden and wild plants from her farm and woodland, blending them into the wholesome soaps. Rachel says creating artisan soaps along with novel wools is not only a manifestation of nature and colour, but also celebrates the charm of farm life.
Read more about Rachel Conlin.
Brad Copping (Glass Art, Studio F)
Working from his home on the edge of the Canadian Shield, Brad maintains a successful practice as both a sculptor and a functional glass blower, often traversing the line between.
Read more about Brad Copping.
Jacques Deslauriers (Woodworking, Studio L)
Jacques is a self-taught woodworker who uses only wood from dead or fallen trees. Gnarls, insect holes, and spalted wood are his materials of choice. He is always ready for a creative challenge of any size.
Read more about Jacques Deslauriers.
David Grieve (Painting, Studio G)
First introduced to oil painting as a child, David has been painting ever since and has developed a unique distinctive style. He uses a multi-layered technique, applying thick swaths of oil paint to create images inspired by the Ontario landscape.
Read more about David Grieve.
Anja Hertle (Mosaics, Studio J)
Anja works with broken china, pottery, porcelain figurines, and tile to give these elements a second life in her whimsical mosaic art pieces. She also incorporates forks, beads, buttons, bottle caps, and typewriter keys.
Read more about Anja Hertle.
Susan Higgins (Glass Art, Studio M)
Expressive colour and evocative themes of nature are Susan’s hallmarks. She layers crushed and sheet glasses, sometimes with metal inclusions, and then kiln fires them. Susan strives to create engaging imagery in plates, bowls, and freestanding glass art.
Read more about Susan Higgins.
Dolores Hopps (Fabric Art, Studio H)
Dolores’ work includes quilts, using imported fabrics from England and Japan, as well as wall hangings, runners, and smaller items. Many of her pieces have wool felting incorporated into the quilting, as well as beads, silk, and quite a number of other interesting embellishments.
Read more about Dolores Hopps.
Melanie Edson Horner (Pottery, Studio J)
A member of Kawartha Potters Guild and Spirit of the Hills Art Association, Melanie enjoys creating personalised pottery, particularly clocks. She enjoys making one-off pieces and is currently experimenting with raku and smoke fire techniques.
Read more about Melanie Edson Horner.
Vivienne Jones (Jewellery, Studio F)
Vivienne is a contemporary artist based in Toronto whose work is very much influenced by natural forms. She creates highly distinctive jewellery using both traditional and non-traditional materials.
Read more about Vivienne Jones.
Carolyn Jongeward (Painting and Woven Tapestry, Studio A)
Carolyn’s artwork includes hand-woven tapestry, acrylic painting, block printing, fabric painting, and painting on birch bark. As a tapestry artist, Carolyn has exhibited in Canada, United States, and England. Her paintings reflect her understanding of textile structures, her eye for colour, and her ongoing interest in geometry and pattern in art and nature.
Read more about Carolyn Jongeward.
Lisa Mace (Painting, Studio C)
Living in rural Apsley, Lisa paints the world around her. Jack pines, full maples, wild flowers, and rural homes, Lisa paints what is found outside her front door.
Read more about Lisa Mace.
Molly Moldovan (Visual Arts, Studio M)
The starting point for all of Molly’s work is the pristine landscape that surrounds her: the lake, forest, and uninterrupted skyscape are the foundation of every piece she paints. A visual artist whose primary focus is abstraction, she works primarily in acrylic and mixed media.
Read more about Molly Moldovan.
Britt Olauson (Woodworking, Studio C)
Britt designs functional furniture and other objects in wood, and her designs are often playful or interactive.
Read more about Britt Olauson.
Tom Parsons (Woodworking, Studio B)
Tom’s work exemplifies both rustic and contemporary styles, and is greatly influenced by the natural forms of wood.
Read more about Tom Parsons.
Cathy Pennaertz (Pottery, Studio K)
Applying multiple patterns in a range of colours on clay, Cathy creates one-of-a-kind functional pieces of art or a whimsical collectible. New animal-themed mugs, piggy banks, and horse figurines add to the collection among a continuation of animated forms of snowmen, gnomes, Santas, and assorted critters.
Read more about Cathy Pennaertz.
Susan Rankin (Glass Art, Studio F)
In her 30-year career as a glass artist, Susan has drawn inspiration from the landscape in which she lives. An avid gardener, she continues to explore the idea of garden through her vessel and sculptural works and is well known for her vibrant floral vessels.
Read more about Susan Rankin.
Kathy Robichaud (Stained glass, Studio H)
Kathy has been a stained glass artist for over 25 years, using traditional techniques to produce stained glass art. Concentrating on the copper foil method, Kathy looks to nature for inspiration.
Read more about Kathy Robichaud.
Arne Roosman (Painting, Studio S)
Arne revisits his sketch book and paints his canvas with his travels to Sweden, Italy, and Estonia, and life’s inspirations in tow.
Read more about Arne Roosman.
Catharine Scott (Jewellery, Studio H)
Catharine is a self-taught artisan who is inspired by the natural beauty of coloured gem stones, the ability to form and create meaningful pieces of art through wire working, and her own creative style of stringing that can be worn at any time of the day with any style of fashion.
Read more about Catharine Scott.
Clare Scott-Taggart (Metal Sculpture, Studio F)
Clare owns Rusty Girl metalwork studio in Toronto, where she designs and makes railings, furniture, arbours, limited-run production pieces for the garden, and sculpture.
Read more about Clare Scott-Taggart.
David Smith (Painting, Studio F)
David is inspired to create new works in watercolour, acrylic, and oil by the surrounding landscape. Painting full time following a career in advertising, graphic design, and colour retouching, he applies this knowledge and skill into his paintings.
Read more about David Smith.
Judy Sparkes (Pottery, Studio H)
Obsessed with the relationship between great food and handmade pottery, Judy believes eating from handmade pots elevates the dining experience. Her work is carefully hand crafted to be enjoyed as everyday art.
Read more about Judy Sparkes.
Frances Timbers (Jewellery, Studio A)
From the delicate to the dramatic, Frances’ jewellery designs are timeless treasures, which will serve as wearable art for years to come.
Read more about Frances Timbers.
Kimberly Tucker (Fibre Art, Studio A)
Kim is inspired by nature’s resilience and her work is a celebration of an imagination let loose.
Read more about Kimberly Tucker.
2020 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour Map
You can download a download a printable brochure that includes the map.
First launched in 1994, the Apsley Studio Tour not only creates public awareness of the arts by promoting and supporting artists in the community, but it supports young artists as well. The tour sponsors the Arts Award at Apsley Central Public School (last year’s recipient was Mason Harris).
For more information on the 2020 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, visit apsleystudiotour.com. You can also follow the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour on Facebook and Instagram.
This story was created in partnership with the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour.
