Powell River Studio Tour, featuring 34 local artists in 23 locations from Lang Bay to Lund, returns for its 13th instalment this weekend and is bigger and better than ever.
After losing key organizers, including founder Alfred Muma, the popular annual studio tour expanded its base and is now being organized under the umbrella of Malaspina Arts Society.
“It’s quite amazing that a small group of people have been able to put this together for so many years,” says longtime studio tour treasurer and participating sculptor Richard Benson, “but it’s nice to have more stability with the Malaspina Arts Society being involved.”
During the weekend-long, self-guided tour, art enthusiasts are invited into local artists’ studios to view their work in a different environment than the standard gallery or exhibit.
“It gives you the opportunity to show all your work in an environment you have created yourself and is very much yours,” says studio tour coordinator and participating artist Joyce Furness. “Being in the studio, your artist’s materials are also there and it gives people more of an opportunity to explore what you do and how you do it.”
This year’s studio tour features 12 new artists, including prolific painter Autumn Skye Morrison, who says she is looking forward to opening her home studio to the public for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to sharing some new paintings,” says Morrison, “as well as welcoming people in to witness and explore my art sanctuary and creative process.”
Benson says the studio tour is ideal for local artists who may not have representation from galleries because it is an opportunity to show their work to a very targeted audience.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that people thought enough to come to your studio or house to see your work specifically,” says Benson. “I am always honoured when people come to my studio. It’s fantastic.”
Brochures for the Powell River Studio Tour are available at Powell River Visitor Information Centre and Artique on Marine Avenue, or can be downloaded from powellriverartists.com. A customized Google map is also available for attendees to plan out their personalized tour.
Powell River Studio Tour 2017
When: 10 am-5 pm, Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27
Where: Various locations
Price: Free
Info: 604.485.4029, powellriverartists.com
