With 31 artists from different backgrounds featured as part of Powell River Studio Tour 2018, the annual event is once again oozing with variety. Guests can drop in at 22 different locations from Lang Bay to Lund to view all the forms of art on Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26, and talk to the individuals who created the works.
“It doesn't matter what might interest you, you are going to find it on this tour,” says tour media liaison and painter Lee Mackenzie. “There is a wide variety of artists, including photographers, fibre artists, sculptors, potters, painters, jewellers, and even a bookmaker.”
Several new artists enhance the 2018 edition of the tour, joining regulars like Mackenzie, who has hosted visitors at her own studio for the last five years.
“Teresa Harwood-Lynn describes herself as a metalsmith,” says Mackenzie. “Her work looks very interesting; if I wasn’t hosting I would go and see her studio.”
Mixed-media artist Candace Parker, wildlife and landscape artist Luke Raffin, photographer and painter Steven Grover and fibre artist Deborah Dumka have also added their names to the list.
“Deborah describes her work as functional felt,” says Mackenzie. “She makes wool carpets and meditation mats. I haven't seen anybody offering anything like that before.”
Details about each artist are available at powellriverstudiotour.com.
“Just click on the name and it takes you right to their capsule with pictures of where they are, what they do and their philosophy,” explains Mackenzie. “It is such a great selection of people and makes me want to, one year, venture forth and go and look at all these places.”
Maps to help visitors along the self-guided tour, which was held for the first time in 2004, are also available on the website, and at Artique and Powell River Visitor Information Centre. Mackenzie says the tour is just as memorable for the artists as it is for those visiting the studios.
“It is the two most fun days I have all year and something I look forward to,” she adds. “Even those of us who are regulars, we get many visitors who are seeing us for the first time, so we are new to them.
Guests who visit an artist each year will always find something new to see,” says Mackenzie.
“Although we have new artists,” she adds, “visitors will also see plenty of new things in the studios and galleries they might be familiar with already.
Powell River Studio Tour 2018
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26
Times: 10 am to 5 pm
Admission: Free
Information: powellriverstudiotour.com
