Where Art Lives

By Rachel Conlin

Susan pours coffee into the hand thrown pottery mugs and then turns to tastefully position fresh baked muffins, cheese and fruit onto the hand hewed charcuterie board. Susan admires the arrangement before setting it out for herself and Peter. It is a Tuesday morning. It is a special day, a day to celebrate. Later in the day, Peter will bring two wine filled, hand blown glass vessels into their sitting area and serve one to Susan. Across from where they sit, a large painting depicting a tranquil lake scene takes centre stage on the wall. Susan will pick up her knitting needles and continue to knit with hand spun wool. 

If we have learnt anything in this past year, it is to savour life. We have had to slow down and with that comes time to reflect, time to appreciate each other and our surroundings. We have been forced to spend more time in our homes. We have become more mindful and being resourceful, positive people; we have learnt to make a celebration of small moments, making every day special.

Artists occasionally wonder where a piece of art, which started as a tiny seed of thought, worked its way through their inventive hands and transpired into a wondrous piece, ends up in this world. The artists of the Apsley Studio Tour put that question out there. When I recently read the replies, I was filled with gratitude. Our creations are displayed in prestigious museums, galleries, corporate buildings and public gardens. They adorn private homes, gardens and personal spaces. Our art is even worn by individuals themselves. But what was humbling is that people not only told us where our art ends up, but how it made them feel, how they cherished the piece and how it became part of their daily celebration of life.

On Tuesday evening when Susan and Peter retire, Susan will look down at her hands, her hands that spent a lifetime working and loving. She will admire the beautiful rings, made just for her hands, before she places them on the bedside table. Peter will pull the hand sewn quilt gently over the two of them. Today was special. Today was a celebration.

The artists of the Apsley Studio Tour thank you for welcoming our art into your homes and hearts, for letting us become part of your celebration of life.

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. For more information on the tour, the artists themselves and a downloadable map, please continue to explore our website.  Also keep an eye out for the new Apsley Studio Tour App, which will be available later this summer!