Skip to content

ArtSea Spring studio tour set to be bigger and better than ever

30 artists to open their studio doors to the public
16548254_web1_copy_190424-PNR-ArtSeaStudioTour
Painters will be among the artists displaying their work on the tour. (Photo courtesy of ArtSea)

Thirty artists will open their doors to the public, June 8 and 9, as part of ArtSea’s Spring Studio tour.

The tour looks to be bigger and better than ever with double the number of artists participating than last year.

ALSO READ: ArtSea turns a municipal art-off into a symbol of collaboration

The tour is based at the north of the Saanich Peninsula and is open to visitors between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It offers the chance to visit painters, art photographers and even a guitar maker. A number of stops will include artists working with a variety of media, such as textiles, metal and fabric sculptures, woodcuts, stoneware and jewelry.

“We’re delighted to have a number of new artists involved as well as the return of some artists who have not been part of the tour for a few seasons,” says Wendy Picken, artist and ArtSea’s tour organizing committee lead. “Anyone who went on last year’s spring or fall tours will discover a fresh crop of artists along with their favourites.”

ALSO READ: Sidney designer’s fab Van Fashion Week

The majority of featured artists will display their art in their home studios, while a few will group their work together, such as at the McTavish Academy of Art in North Saanich and Russell’s Nursery near Deep Cove. Many of the artists will give visitors demonstrations too.

ArtSea recommend starting at their gallery in Tulista Park, Sidney, where self-guiding brochures are available.

“The tour is always different because artists are constantly exploring new ways to express themselves through their art,” Picken says, before suggesting, “give yourself plenty of time – the full two days – to be able to browse and talk to the artists about their techniques and creative inspiration.”

ALSO READ: Human Rights museum to restore Coast Salish artist’s Witness Blanket

Copies of the colourful self-guiding brochure can be found at locations around the Saanich Peninsula and in Victoria, as well as at ArtSea gallery.

On the tour, visitors are advised to look for bright red and white signs which point out where to go.

Picken believes the studio tour brings the community together, making it “a good way for new residents to be introduced to the Peninsula art community.”

A complete list of places carrying the brochure and an online version are available at artsea.ca in the section “ArtSea Happenings.” The brochure contains studio addresses, as well as descriptions and photos of the artists’ work.



nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

16548254_web1_190424-PNR-ArtSeaStudioTour2
Wearable art and jewellery will be featured on the Spring Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of ArtSea)