This year marks the 10th anniversary for the BWG Studio Art Tour, a tour that introduces artists and artisans to their community, and gives residents an opportunity to purchase original and unique works of art.
The Studio Art Tour will showcase more than 20 artists at four venues, Sept. 15 and 16, including a group show at the BWG Public Library & Cultural Centre, 425 Holland St. W., and it’s at the library that organizers are holding a Meet the Artists reception on Aug. 27 to kick things off.
Photographer Jim Craigmyle, and his wife Kirstin Bindsell, a talented potter, are new to the tour.
“My wife and I have been interested in joining the Studio Art Tour for quite a while,” said Craigmyle. “We have gone to a number of the shows and visited several of the studios. The Studio Art Tour seems like a great way to meet with people interested in art, as well as other artists.”
Not only will he be showing and selling his haunting photos, he plans to exhibit his latest project: “Creating clocks based around the theme of musical instruments. The clocks are made with the photographs of iconic instruments that are then printed on fine art Baryta paper.”
The reception, held in the Zima Room from 7-9 p.m., will be an opportunity to meet the artists, see samples of their work, and learn more about the tour – which this year features at least four Youth Artists, invited to show and sell their works.
The Town will also announce the winner of the “Preserve BWG” competition, that challenged artists to create an image of any BWG landmark, in any medium. The winning work will be acquired by the municipality to be put on public display.
Everyone is welcome to attend, enjoy the refreshments and the artwork.
Painter Ingrid Schienke is a long-time supporter of the tour. “I suppose, as an artist, there is an unspoken need somehow to be among other artists, and to share concepts and ideas,” she said. “Putting together a body of work for a show is always exciting, though stressful at times, but still fun – and I eagerly await the public’s response!”
Schienke enjoys meeting with visitors and past patrons. “People recognize my work now, and will often say they saw a piece here or there, or they still love their own purchase, and that is always so encouraging to hear.”
The Studio Art Tour itself is a free, self-directed tour. Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at the Library, and visit all four sites between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Sept. 15 and 16. For details see bwgstudiotour.ca.
