Georgina Studio Tour Preview

By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

The Georgina Studio Tour started 27 years ago, and attracts thousands of visitors, both from Georgina and neighbouring municipalities.  This year, on September 25 and 26, the event features 36 artists in 23 locations.

Barbara Banfield, acting Chair of the event and an accomplished pottery artist who has been with the Studio Tour for 14 years, says the pandemic has brought some significant changes.

“This year is different due to COVID. So the event has a big online presence, and the Town is involved with promoting and marketing,” she said.

“Also new this year is a passport: collect stamps and you could win a gift certificate!”  

This year’s event has attracted some new local artists, including first-timers Jennifer and Tom Zsolt.

“It is different from an exhibition: you can talk to people about your work. There are no artists on the tour with my style of work [documentary photography],” Tom said.
 
“It should be fun meeting art lovers from all over Ontario,” added Jennifer. “ I have many small paintings, inexpensive, ideal for people who want original art.”

Jennifer also has cards, including Christmas cards and her Fun Farm Animals series. 

Cristina Liu, another first-timer, participates in the tour because she is thrilled to be part of a creative group sharing a common goal of celebrating art in Georgina.

“I hope people from the community and neighbouring municipalities will enjoy our beautiful Georgina through the tour,” she said.   

One stop not to be missed is the Georgina Centre for Art and Culture, hosting an amazing exhibition by mother and daughter, Lisa and Sabrina Chianelli.

Both are excited to show what they created during the pandemic, and say knowing they would share their creations with the community helped in the dark days. 

Banfield is hopeful there will be a good turnout for this year’s Studio Tour, with residents rediscovering Georgina’s vibrant art community.

“Come and see how rich the art in our community is! The Studio Tour is a great opportunity to find our treasures!”  

Start your holiday shopping early: you will find one-of-a-kind items at every stop. 

For more information visit: www.georginastudiotour.com.