Apsley Studio Tour 2023 - 30 Years in the Making! Experience It! Apsley Studio Tour 2023 - 30 Years in the Making! Experience It!

by Clare Scott-Taggart

This fall the artists of the Apsley Studio Tour invite you to Experience It and help us celebrate 30 years of making.

Experience: the dazzling beauty of the North Kawarthas; an inspiring visit to a professional artist’s studio; the hypnotic process of watching glass being blown; illuminating conversations; connecting with the artists and visitors who are a vibrant part of your community.

Why is something made by hand so special? The handmade object is the transformation of experience into a unique piece of art. It is the result of years of education and dedication, honing the skill required to design and execute a thing of beauty. As well, it is an expression of the personal, lived experience that the artist brings to the project. Mass-produced art and craft cannot match the beauty and life captured in objects made by hand.

A hand-thrown bowl shows the gentle tips of the maker’s fingers in the grooves and ridges of the clay. A colourful quilt is a kaleidoscope of fabric patterns and swirling threads, an intricate assemblage with each piece cut, ironed, pinned and sewn by one person, who you can meet. Likewise, carved wooden spoons, pared by the woodworker’s knives and gouges, passing from their hands to yours. As artists, we want to share that experience with you.

For two days in September, the doors of 11 studios are open to the public, inviting you to experience the work of 30 different artists who create an enormous variety of work throughout the year. Resident and guest artists display their work throughout, with some studios featuring demonstrations. Please help us celebrate 30 years of the Apsley Studio Tour this fall, and Experience It.

The Apsley Autumn Studio Tour runs September 16 and 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. For more information about the studios and participating artists, please visit apsleystudiotour.com. The link to our handy new downloadable app and map can also be found on our website.