By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
Art fans had a lot of ground to cover in the last weekend of September. With 39 artists spread across 25 locations, the Studio Tour has become a marathon of creativity!
According to Barb Banfield, the acting chair, it is probably the largest studio tour in southern Ontario.
“Most tours have around 20 artists,” she says. “We average 40. Visitors come from Toronto and beyond. And we’re seeing more young people, both as participants and visitors.”
Banfield hopes the event will continue to boost the economy. “It’s more than just an art crawl; it’s a gain for the whole community. Visitors browse the art, linger for coffee, and poke around shops.”
Organizers mix seasoned names with newcomers and open the door for young artists. Among the newcomers is Zoë Coulter, a volunteer firefighter who turns to ink drawing after busy days on duty. She says, “Great experience, wonderful people, good sales. I’ll definitely return!”
She joined the tour, inspired by her godfather, Tim Lavender, a well-known third-generation bird carver, who is also passing on the craft to his sons. Like every year, he welcomed about 150 visitors,and was glad to see sales steady, especially since the proceeds will help support his sons’ education.
Another first-time participant was Rebecca van Gennip, new to Georgina and fresh from university. “I’m represented in Toronto,” she says, “but this event allows me to show my work where I live. It’s wonderful. I chatted with so many people. Great networking!”
Art comes in many forms. Susan Sutherland displayed her colourful knitting, from practical socks to whimsical pieces made purely for fun. “When I started knitting as a child, I never thought I’d end up on a studio tour among painters and sculptors,” she says. “But knitting is an art too.”
Jeweler Cheryl Fulcher welcomed into her studio potter Teresa Dunlop and photographer Penny Gyokeres, giving guests three distinct perspectives under one roof. Fulcher says, “People can talk with us and see how we work. It’s a personal connection—you don’t get that, buying in a store.”
At Marilyn Leola Brown’s studio, visitors could not help but do a double take. Serene Canadian landscapes shared space with her striking Playing With Fire series of nuclear explosions. As one visitor remarked, “She gives you peaceful Lake Simcoe in one breath and the end of the world in the next…”
Banfield summed it up: “What I want people to experience is just how rich our art community is. We have such talent and creativity here—not just in visual arts, but in music, theatre, crafts—you name it. We aim to connect people and let everyone enjoy the wonderful world of art.”
To learn more about Studio Tour and the artists visit the website: https://georginastudiotour.com/
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