An annual summer studio show is set to bring cottagers, tourists and locals into the galleries of creatives across Haliburton County.
The Tour de Forest Summer Studio Tour, in its 19th year, features 20 artists at 11 studios.
It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 2-3. An online map displays the locations of all studios, from Eagle Lake in the north, to south of Minden, west towards Carnarvon, and into Highlands East.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing people and welcoming them to the event,” said co-organizer Charlene McConnell.
McConnell creates glazed pottery decorations and serving ware out of Purple Door Pottery Studio on Eagle Lake Road.
“I enjoy meeting the visitors face-to-face — having conversations about the process,” McConnell said.
From the vibrant painted landscapes of James Goodliff to thrown and hand-built pottery by Colleen Ferdinands, the tour is a celebration of the Highland’s artistic diversity and skill.
Artist include: Barbara Hart, McConnell, Chuck Lewis, Ferdinands, Doug McDonald, Heather Salzman, Heather Poppe, Goodliff, Jane Selbie, Jyne Greenley, Laurie O’Reilly, Lee Doucett, L & N Beadworks, Marilyn Clayton, Marleigh McConnell, Monique van Well, Paul Diamond, Rita Germann, Terry Sullivan, and Tom Green.
Selbie, an acclaimed local artist, has said supporting artists through tours like this is important to the vibrancy of the community.
“The history of Haliburton County is built on family operations, often extending from one generation to the next. It’s what gives small communities their particular character,” Selbie said.
“The artist sector is alive in Haliburton County … each artist [is] a small business operator.”
