Apsley Studio Tour Update – It’s a Go!

by Clare Scott -Taggart

So spring 2021 has arrived! And thankfully things are opening up again in the province of Ontario. That means we the artists of the Apsley Studio Tour are starting to imagine the delight of welcoming you to our studios again this fall.

After this long and difficult time, everyone surely needs some colour, beauty and art in their lives. The artists of the north Kawarthas and Apsley, have been busy in their studios this last while dreaming up their own expressions of art and creativity with the hope of eventually sharing it with you.

Blasts of colourful over stitched abstracted flowers and leaves are integral to the textile pieces of Dolores Hopps. Tiny details are outlined with thread in elaborately quilted panels; seed pods are on the verge of exploding and birch leaves shimmer. In Anja Hertle’s mosaics, daffodils burst from the surface of the panel, a joyous shout out to spring and better days ahead. Other mosaics are filled with bright tulips and daisies, and scenes of busy people enjoying the waterfront in small-town Ontario. Painter David Smith captures the light and colour in the trees and sky that surround him. He honours the beauty and majesty of nature in his portraits of rocks and trees, focusing on unique details that make these paintings astoundingly specific.

Brendan Cane uses photography to explore his surroundings: the fresh rush of a near-frozen waterfall in one image, and the serene depths of an autumnal lake scene in another.

Glorious glass vessels made by glass-blower Brad Copping undulate like twisting candy-coloured gum drops. Rachel Conlins’ hand-made sheep milk soaps are delights of form, scent and colour. Rusty Girl painted trellises bring a pop of colour to the shady corners of your garden and Arne Roosman paints a vibrant swirling couple dancing the tango in all its verve and intensity. What image better captures the spirit of what we need now!

This is only a small peek into the wonderful and varied world of creativity that you will find at the Apsley Studio Tour when 28 artists in 13 studios welcome you in September. We look forward to safely sharing with you a joyful celebration of art in September.

This year, the Apsley Studio Tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 18^th and 19^th, 2021 from 10 am to 5 pm both days. It is a self-guided tour presenting 28 artists at 13 welcoming locations throughout the Apsley area. Find us on facebook and instagram under Apsley Autumn Studio Tour.

*And keep an eye out for the new Apsley Studio Tour App, which will be available later this summer on this website.