elgin arts trail guide
DESCRIPTION
From original paitings to pottery, the twelve studios and galleries that comprise the arts trail are ready to take visitors on an imaginative and unforgettable journey.TRANSCRIPT
Discovery Guide
IndexIndex 1
About Us 2
Studios
Clayworks Studio 3
Peter Robson Studios and Gallery 4
Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio 5
Galleries
Jennifer M. Designs 6
Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing 7
Portside Gallery 8
elgin Arts Trail Map 10
Galleries
Shelley McVittie’s Gallery 11
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre 12
The Arts & Cookery Bank 13
Village Crier Gallery 14
Crafters
Sparta Country Candles 15
Little Red Mitten 16
Workshops 17
At a Glance 18
1
The County of Elgin, in partnership with the Elgin Business
Resource Centre and St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, invites
tourists and the local community to experience the finest
visual arts attractions the region has to offer on the Elgin
Arts Trail. Launched in the fall of 2011, the Trail provides
comprehensive resources to explore 12 studios and galleries
exhibiting diverse collections of artwork. Prepare yourself
for an imaginative and unforgettable journey of original
paintings, pottery, fibre art, candles and more.
Some say that Elgin County- St. Thomas is a work
of art itself, with its sprawling countryside, historic
city, and towns and villages that charm thousands
of tourists annually. The County’s natural
beauty and traditional character make it easy
to understand how such a vibrant creative
arts community developed over the years.
Artistic inspiration is all around.
Start planning your trip today.
Discover your inner artist,
explore the Elgin Arts Trail.
www.elginartstrail.ca
1-877-GO eLGIn, x168
AbOuT us
2
CLAywOrks sTudIOIn Elgin County’s northeast is the small, scenic town of Belmont, home to
Catherine Craig’s rustic working studio filled with her original clay artwork,
sketches and sculptures. A professional visual artist with more than 40
years experience, she values community empowerment and storytelling
- the hallmarks of her work. Catherine is a partner in the Art Gallery of
Lambeth and has exhibited in many galleries across Southern Ontario in
both group and solo exhibitions. A graduate of the University of Windsor’s
Bachelor of Fine Arts program, she has also offered private lessons to
aspiring artists for more than 30 years. Catherine’s work transcends craft
and hobby – it is a lifetime commitment fueled by passion and dedication.
Open: wednesday, Thursday, and saturday between 9a.m. to 5p.m,
please phone for appointment.
Address: 128 dyer street, belmont On, n0L 1b0
Tel: 519-644-0893
email: [email protected]
blog: http://catherinecraigart.blogspot.com/
Medium: Pottery, sculpture, spinning, weaving, painting
sT
ud
IO
3
Located in the quaint, historic hamlet of Sparta, Ontario, Peter Robson
Studios has drawn the attention of art lovers from across the region for
more than 30 years. Passion for the studio and original art is a family
affair that includes Peter’s wife Eleanor and son Steven, who proudly
display Peter’s paintings, limited edition prints and sculptures at the
gallery. Well known and highly respected, Peter Robson Studios has
the capacity to customize an art program of any size for charities or
businesses with existing prints or by special commission. A complete
state-of-the-art custom framing centre is located on the premises.
Open: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. saturday,
noon to 5 p.m. sunday, or by appointment.
Address: 46340 Main street, sparta On, n0L 2H0
Telephone: 519-775-2522
email: [email protected]
website: www.entropic-art.com
Medium: Paintings, sketches, sculptures,
prints, custom framing
PeTer rObsOn sTudIOs And GALLery
sT
ud
IO
4
Opened in 1948 by Jimmie Clennell and Selma Caverly,
Pinecroft is considered to be Canada’s oldest continuously
operating pottery studio. Tucked away in a 54 acre pine
forest, this thriving family-run establishment has produced
fine quality earthenware and stoneware pottery for 63 years.
Second generation studio potter Brenda (Caverly) Smith
offers a wide range of functional pieces including complete
dinner sets. High fired reduction ware is wheel thrown with
some slab work. Classes and hands-on workshops are
offered in fall and winter in the teaching studio.
Pinecroft also features the work of Tony Clennell (MFA, RCA),
who recently joined the studio as an associate potter. Tony
is an adjunct professor at Sheridan College and has taught
workshops in Canada, USA, Japan, China and Italy.
For the full Pinecroft experience, visit the Green Frog Tea
Room for lunch, relax at the massage hut and stay the night
at Selma’s Cabin B&B.
Open: Visit our website for our hours of operation.
studio generally open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 8122 rogers road south,
Aylmer west On, n5H 2r4
Tel: 519-773-3435
email: [email protected]
website: www.pinecroft.ca
Medium: Pottery, ceramics, paintings, prints
PIneCrOfT CerAMIC ArT sTudIO
sT
ud
IO
5
jennIfer M. desIGns
Establishing an award-winning art gallery was not in Jennifer’s
plans when she started her home-based decorating and custom
window treatment business in 1997, but Jennifer M. Designs has
become just that. Still offering her original services, her gallery in
historic downtown St. Thomas is also a thriving creative space
displaying a diverse collection of original artwork done by Jennifer
and several other local artists. Featuring crisp white walls set
against exposed brick and duct work, it is the perfect environment
to relax and enjoy events throughout the year, including special
exhibit evenings and the Resident Artist Program where visitors
experience art in progress.
Open: Tues, wed., fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.,sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Mon.,Thurs by appointment. sunday closed.
Address: 364 Talbot st., st. Thomas On, n5P 1b6
Tel: 519-633-9806
website: www.jennifermdesigns.ca
e-mail: [email protected]
Medium: Paintings, jewellery, glass, sketches,
photography, woodcraft, sculptures,
prints, metalwork
GA
LL
er
y
6
MInerVA ArT GALLery & CusTOM frAMInGTravelling to Egypt at age 17 was life-changing for Kevin Morrell,
owner of Minerva Art Gallery. It is the place where he got his first
taste of classic art and developed a passion for gods and goddesses
of ancient times, like the namesake of his gallery. An avid traveler,
Kevin features works from international, Canadian and local artists,
highlighting those from Elgin County. He tours the globe to meet
artists, investigate their style and quality, and personally select each
piece for the gallery.
Minerva Art Gallery is also a one-stop shop for personal and
corporate custom framing. Offering a comprehensive selection of
frames and art, and the assistance of a dedicated design consultant,
it can accommodate any style, budget or timeline.
Open: Open year round 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. to sat.
evenings by appointment.
Address: 11078 springwater road north, Aylmer On, n5H 2r6
Tel: 519-765-1616
email: [email protected]
website: www.minerva-art.com
Medium: Paintings, prints, custom framing
GA
LL
er
y
7
POrTsIde GALLeryNestled in the heart of Port Stanley, one of Elgin
County’s most scenic and exciting destinations,
Portside Gallery is home to the works of 14 talented
regional artists. For 15 years, this artist-managed co-
operative has produced high-quality art ranging from
realism to abstraction, using a variety of mediums
including oil, watercolour, acrylic, ink, pastels and
mixed media. Visitors and locals delight in the diverse
and vibrant pieces that range from miniature to large
in size. Open year-round, anytime is a great time to
browse the Gallery and purchase a special treasure
to take home.
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in spring, summer and
fall, with some reduced days in january and March.
Address: 187 ½ Main st. Port stanley On, n5L 1H6
Tel: 519-782-7066
website: portside.cuttingpromotions.com
email: [email protected]
Medium: Paintings, jewellery, sketches,
photography, prints, sculptures
GA
LL
er
y
8
John St. N
orthJohn S
t. South
Springw
ater Road
John Wise Line
Richmond
Straffordville
Vienna
Port Bruce
SpartaPort Stanley
Fingal
Shedden
Dutton
Wallacetown
EagleNew Glasgow
Rodney
West Lorne
Lake Erie
Aylmer
Lyons
Belmont
Talbotville
London
St.Thomas New
Sarum
Port Burwell
Springfield
Richmond
Springfield
Straffordville
Vienna
Port Bruce
SpartaPort Stanley
Fingal
Shedden
Dutton
Wallacetown
EagleNew Glasgow
Rodney
West Lorne
Lake Erie
Aylmer
Lyons
Belmont
Talbotville
London
St.Thomas New
Sarum
Port Burwell
13
12
14
2
11
9
6
5
7 8
4
13
10
Crafters
Galleries
Studios
Other
Arts Trail
9
John St. N
orthJohn S
t. South
Springw
ater Road
John Wise Line
Richmond
Straffordville
Vienna
Port Bruce
SpartaPort Stanley
Fingal
Shedden
Dutton
Wallacetown
EagleNew Glasgow
Rodney
West Lorne
Lake Erie
Aylmer
Lyons
Belmont
Talbotville
London
St.Thomas New
Sarum
Port Burwell
Springfield
Richmond
Springfield
Straffordville
Vienna
Port Bruce
SpartaPort Stanley
Fingal
Shedden
Dutton
Wallacetown
EagleNew Glasgow
Rodney
West Lorne
Lake Erie
Aylmer
Lyons
Belmont
Talbotville
London
St.Thomas New
Sarum
Port Burwell
13
12
14
2
11
9
6
5
7 8
4
13
10
10
eLGIn ArTs TrAIL 2011 MeMbersCrafters
Sparta Country Candles 46361 Sparta Line 519-775-0054
Little Red Mitten 86 Talbot Street 519-207-2880
Galleries
The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Road 519-768-9986
Village Crier Gallery 194 Currie Road 519-762-2862
Portside Gallery 187 ½ Main Street 519-782-7066
Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing
11078 Springwater Road North 519-765-1616
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
301 Talbot Street 519-631-4040
Jennifer M. Designs 364 Talbot Street 519-633-9806
Shelley McVittie’s Gallery 48664 John Wise Line 519-773-5912
Studios
Peter Robson Studios and Gallery
46340 Main Street 519-775-2522
Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio
8122 Rogers Road South 519-773-3435
Clayworks Studio 128 Dyer Street 519-644-0893
Other Museum/Library Art Displays
Elgin County Museum 450 Sunset Drive 519-631-1460
Port Stanley Library 302 Bridge Street 519-782-4241
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
1
2
3
11
12
13
4
5
6
7
14
8
9
10
Transport yourself back to a simpler time, feel the warm
embrace of an open fire, marvel at the vibrant blossoms of a
country garden, or watch your breath disappear in the crisp
air of a wintry night. Shelley McVittie evokes these images of
old fashioned country charm that are vividly reflected in her
paintings. A professional painter since 1992, her unique yet
classic works have steadily gained popularity across Canada
and around the world. In addition to her paintings, Shelley
McVittie’s Gallery also showcases the work of potter Lydia
Harder, textile weaver Linda Elkins, and many fellow Ontario
artisans whose attention to quality and detail are impressive
and proudly Canadian.
Open: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through saturday.
sunday by appointment or chance.
Address: 48664 john wise Line, Aylmer On, n5H 2r4
Tel: 519-773-5912
email: [email protected]
website: www.shelleymcvittie.com
blog: www.shelleymcvittie.com/blog
Medium: Paintings, pottery/ceramics/glass,
woodcraft, prints, textiles
sHeLLey MCVITTIe’s GALLery
GA
LL
er
y
11
In the centre of Elgin County lies the centerpiece of its visual arts
community - The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC).
Established in 1969, it is committed to promoting visual arts
throughout the region and beyond by preserving an extensive
permanent collection, and hosting 16 exhibitions annually featuring
local, regional and international artists. Also an education-focused
organization, STEPAC facilitates educational programs and
endorses emerging artists. Among its many events, the annual Fall
Art Auction in November provides art lovers with an opportunity to
purchase unique souvenirs while supporting STEPAC’s programs
and the vibrant St. Thomas-Elgin arts community.
Open: Tues.-wed, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thurs.-fri.; noon to 4 p.m. sat.;
noon to 3 p.m. sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 301 Talbot street, st. Thomas On, n5P 1b5
Tel: 519-631-4040
email: [email protected]
website: www.stepac.ca
Medium: Paintings, jewellery, pottery/ceramics/glass, sketches,
photography, woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork
sT. THOMAs-eLGIn PubLIC ArT CenTre
GA
LL
er
y
12
THe ArTs & COOkery bAnkThe Arts & Cookery Bank, a regional cultural
destination, is a story of courage and commitment –
a venue worth visiting. The Bank uses photography
as a historical visual record. Images from Dutton-
Dunwich, Newbury, Southwest Middlesex and West
Elgin, that span more than 200 years, are digitally
displayed on multi touch-media kiosks. Hundreds
of old and current photos tell a rapidly-changing
story of rural southwestern Ontario.
Visit this stunning venue – a restored 1914
Bank of Montreal and an 1883 timber frame barn –
for a nostalgic, gripping, inspirational and authentic
rural experience.
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. – fri. Closed Mondays.
Call for events on saturdays and sundays.
Address: 242 Graham road,
west Lorne On, n0L 2P0
Tel: 519-768-9986
email: [email protected]
website: www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Medium: Photography
GA
LL
er
y
13
VILLAGe CrIer GALLeryJenny Phillips, owner of Village Crier Gallery, is best
known as an artist who delights in recording the
vanishing rural landscape of southwestern Ontario
while capturing the essence and history of rural life.
Her paintings are vibrant, dynamic, and illustrate
a wide-range of country scenes from nature to
architecture. Each piece at the Village Crier Gallery
is part of a larger story that Jenny is happy to share
with visitors. In addition to selling original art,
the gallery also offers custom framing services,
publishes fine art and books, is a dealer of custom
tin ceilings and sells specialty stained glass lighting.
Open: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 6 days a week
or anytime by appointment.
Address: 194 Currie road, dutton On, n0L 1j0
Tel: 519-762-2862
email: [email protected]
website: http://villagecrierdutton.ca
Medium: Paintings, prints, sketches, custom
framing, photography
GA
LL
er
y
14
sPArTA COunTry CAndLesOne of Elgin County’s best kept - and best smelling - secrets lies in an old
general store built in 1838 in the historic village of Sparta. Since 1995,
the Muscat family has been filling homes with their high-quality scented
candles, and creating a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for
more. Sparta Country Candles contain as much as three times more
scent than average, and are sold in many different sizes at unbeatable
prices. Doors are open daily so stop by, pick up some candles and try a
piece of homemade fudge. It only makes scents!
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas, boxing day and new year’s day.
Address: 46361 sparta Line, sparta On, n0L 2H0
Tel: 519-775-0054
email: [email protected]
website: www.spartacandles.com
Medium: Candle and candle product manufacturing
Cr
Af
Te
r
15
For Joan Janes, opening Little Red Mitten in her hometown of St. Thomas
brought to fruition a lifetime love of fibre arts. As a teenager, she worked
at the local Parkspin mill, an opportunity that ignited her passion for the
peacefulness of spinning at a wheel. Situated in one of St. Thomas’ most
historic neighbourhoods, the spacious, 1842 building houses yarns from
around the world. A variety of fibres are available at Little Red Mitten
including; cottons, wools, alpaca, and silk. Fibre artists from beginner
to enthusiast can take advantage of the best selection of knitting tools
around. Take classes, join a knitting group, or try a new knitting pattern
created by the owner herself. Look, touch, and be enticed. Little Red
Mitten is a woolly inspiring place!
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon – wed & sat.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs – fri. Closed sunday.
Address: 86 Talbot street, st. Thomas On, n5P 1A5
Tel: 519-207-2880
email: [email protected]
website: www.littleredmitten.ca
Medium: fibre arts
LITTLe red MITTen
Cr
Af
Te
r
16
Workshops at Elgin Arts Trail locations are great creative outlets. From photography and pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters offer numerous
opportunities to discover your inner artist. For a complete list of our members workshops and events visit www.elginartstrail.ca.
wOrksHOPs
workshop description date/Time Location
Individual knitting Instruction
Enjoy a variety of scheduled knitting classes from beginner to advanced. Call the shop (519-207-2880) or check our website, www.littleredmitten.ca – for the current schedule.
Anytime, by appointment Little Red Mitten
Pottery/sculpture/ and more
Classes and workshops in pottery,sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving and spinning offered. Workshops can be arranged for up to 6 students.
Anytime, by appointment Clayworks Studio
Pottery Brenda Smith offers classes in pottery focusing on the wheel. Classes are held in the pottery studio on site and both evening and daytime sessions are offered.
Classes and hands-on workshops are offered in fall and winter.
Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio
Painting with your Inner Voice
Painting with your inner voice is focused on guiding participants to tell a story through their art while developing drawing and painting skills and a person style. These workshops are appropriate for all levels of experience, including beginners.
Registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
smart Art Classes for Children
Discover the world of art making through exploration and experimentation with a variety of materials and organized activities. Basic skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture will be considered. Imagination, self-confidence and individual style are encouraged.
Registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
digital Photo Classes
Take digital photo classes in a state-of-the-art digital photo lab and interactive photo classroom. Classes will be for all ages, so kids, tweens, teens, seniors and families are welcome.
Registration information and photo class schedules are available online at www.theartsandcookerybank.com
The Arts & Cookery Bank
17
AT A GLAnCe
Can
dle
s
Cer
amic
s
Cus
tom
Fra
min
g
Fib
re A
rts
Jew
elle
ry
Gla
ss
Met
alw
ork
Pai
ntin
gs
Pho
togr
aphy
Pott
ery
Pri
nts
Scu
ltpur
es
Ske
tche
s
Text
iles
Woo
dcr
aft
Clayworks Studio • • • • •Peter Robson Studios • • • • •Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio • • • •Jennifer M. Designs • • • • • • • • •Minerva Art Gallery • • •Portside Gallery • • • • • •Shelley McVittie’s Gallery • • • • • • •St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre • • • • • • • • • • •The Arts & Cookery Bank •Village Crier Gallery • • • • •Sparta Country Candles •Little Red Mitten •
18
WW
W.E
LGIN
AR
TST
RA
IL.C
A
Elgin Arts Trail Program Developed in partnership with: