From intimate studios to grand open spaces, artists and artisans are sharing their passions and their creatives processes with visitors across the region this fall.
Finding our creativity in the Fall just feels right. Maybe the cooler weather and shorter days inspire us to expand our artistic scope. And the timing couldn’t be better: centuries-old crafts such as ceramics, woodworking, knitting, weaving, and basket-making are being explored by a whole new generation of skilled artisans.
This fall there is a bumper crop of tours and experiences that will showcase the brilliant talent within the region, with maker spaces and artistic venues and shows where you can observe the creative processes of the artists themselves; take a peek into their studios and workshops; tour their gardens and landscapes; and bring home their artistic offerings to support our artistic communities.
NORTHUMBERLAND HILLS STUDIO TOUR
This self-guided tour will help you meander through Northumberland’s scenic towns and villages during the weekend of September 10 & 11. Meet with over two dozen artists showcasing their talent in media such as paper collage, acrylic landscapes, woven tapestry and photography. Looking for something different? Discover the rug-hooking art of Port Hope’s Lynda Johnston or the handprinted paper collages of Cobourg’s Barbara Buntin. Plan your weekend road trip ahead of time.
TWEED & AREA STUDIO TOUR
This not-for-profit organization of local artists and artisans from Hastings County offers access to a host of creative talent over the weekend of September 24 & 25. The rugged Canadian Shield provides a stunning visual backdrop for this self-guided tour. Be sure to check out traditional Czech glass making, centuries-old textile skills, leather fashion and hand woven decorative and functional baskets.
APPLE ROUTE STUDIO TOUR
This studio tour is bigger and bolder for 2022. Make plans the weekend of September 24 & 25 to travel through northern and eastern Northumberland and discover the handcrafted treasures waiting there. Twenty-seven artists welcome you to their homes, studios, gardens and workshops at no fewer than twenty-two locations. The Apple Route Studio Tour is a participating partner with the Northumberland Festival of the Arts, so you can combine thrilling live entertainment with heartwarming arts and crafts all in one weekend.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY STUDIO TOUR
The Prince Edward County Arts Council heads up this 29th annual tour of over 34 studios during the weekend of September 30 to October 2. A diverse, inclusive group of talented artists will walk you through their creative process, share their techniques, visions and personal stories during one-onone conversations as you visit their artistic spaces. You can plan a route using the l Studio Guide or simply meander through the countryside enjoying the County ambience (and the occasional sampling of food and wine), looking for the distinctive PEC Studio Tour signs along the way.
PORT HOPE MAKERS’ MARKET
Lent Lane offers a historic backdrop to downtown Port Hope’s weekly makers’ market. The Downtown Business Association partners with Watershed’s food writer, Signe Langford, to bring together an eclectic mix of talent, food, fun and festivities every Thursday evening, rain or shine, until mid-October. And don’t miss the annual Holiday Sale, November 5 & 6 at the Port Hope Lions Club.
Instagram @pohoshow
EVOLVING TRADITIONS FIBRE ART
All through September, the John M. Parrott Art Gallery at the Belleville Public Library will present Evolving Traditions 2022, a mixed media exhibition featuring the Quinte Fibre Artists. You’ll have the chance to meet the artists themselves between 2 and 4 pm on September 10 and 24. Fibre art is enjoying a renaissance as a new legion of fans try their hand at weaving, textiles and silk printing. See what you can learn from the artists and purchase some of their work from the “Hallway Showcase” outside the main exhibition.
ALDERVILLE FIRST NATION ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS
Partnering with the Northumberland Festival of the Arts, Koren Smoke and many other local artists and crafters host an exhibit and sale of Indigenous art, traditional beading, jewelry, paintings and crafts at Alderville First Nation September 29 and October 1.
THE MAKER’S HAND
One of Eastern Ontario’s most highly regarded arts and craft shows is here to kick-start the holiday-shopping season, from November 11 to 13 at Highline Hall in Wellington. Be one of the 3,000 visitors who come every year to infuse themselves in the arts and crafts of Prince Edward County. Founded by and for artists and presented by the PEC Arts Council, The Maker’s Hand offers a platform to both established and up-and-coming artists from across Ontario and Western Quebec.
Story by:
Stephanie Campbell
Illustration by:
Jane Kessler
