35th Annual Victoria County Studio Tour
What’s on your fall daytripping bucket list?
The VCST is a scenic, self-driving art tour which takes place every fall in Kawartha Lakes. It combines the beauty of quaint communities, picturesque lakes and natural rugged landscapes with the diverse artistic talent found here in cottage country. You can take the time to stop for a bite at any of the wonderful area restaurants, and enjoy the scenery as the fall colours emerge.
In its 35 years, the tour, which began in association with the Lindsay Gallery, has seen over 220 artists participate – this year you will find twenty-three artists in sixteen studio locations across Kawartha Lakes and on the westerly fringe of Trent Lakes near Bobcaygeon. Over the years it has grown and evolved – recognizable now by its distinct branding, including the stylized maple leaf logo designed by Sue Staniforth in 2006.
Wood-turning artist Paul Gray Diamond has been with the tour consecutively since 1995, and says, “I have met some really interesting people over the years, and enjoy the opportunity to welcome them into my space, and get to know them.”
Studio Tour chair Janet Tysiak explains that this year will be a little different. Hand sanitizer and PPE will be available at each location and there will be a limit on the number of people in each studio at one time.
When asked what first-time visitors can expect, Tysiak says, “You can expect a warm welcome from the artists, who are only too happy to explain what they do, and to talk about the inspiration behind their work. It’s not a push to buy, it’s a push to learn.” She adds that the real feature of the experience is being able to visit artists in their own environment, and to experience how the art is made.
“If you do the tour, you can meet the artist and ask the questions – there is always the heart-string tug when you get to hear the story, and every piece has one.
“Our tour offers a diverse and unique blend of media – something for every taste,” Tysiak says. “Our 35th year celebration may present some challenges, but we are 
excited to forge ahead and make it a memorable one!”
She goes on to acknowledge the support received over the years from various sponsors and behind-the-scenes sources, noting that Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls is a big supporter of the tour.
Make the VCST part of your fall agenda – the Tour takes place over two weekends, September 26-27 and October 3-4, from 10am-5pm. New this year, some studios will be open mid-week, by appointment only.
Look for the distinctive Victoria County Studio Tour flyer in your mailbox or at local pickup locations throughout Kawartha Lakes, or go to their website for more information.
Victoria County Studio Tour
vcstudiotour@msn.com
www.vcstudiotour.com
705-887-2229
PLAN YOUR ROUTE:
1. Jan Anderson, Fibre Art 262 Pinery Rd., Burnt River
2. James Goodliff, Landscape Artist 10 Bend St., Kinmount
3. Colleen Bradstock, Landscape Artist 3641 Monck Rd., Norland
4. Paul Gray Diamond, Woodturning 246 Baseline Rd., Coboconk
5. Janet Tysiak, Stained Glass & more 35 Lagoon Dr., Fenelon Falls
6. Deborah Craven, Pottery 30 North St., Cambray
7. Ian Ball, Watercolour Artist 943 Hwy. 7, Oakwood
8. Linda Harris, Stoneware Clay 344 Old Surrey Lane, Bobcaygeon
9. Sandy Cogar, Metal & Rock Garden Art 62 Moon Line N., Bobcaygeon
10. Janis Huisman, Weaver 382 County Rd. 36, Trent Lakes
11. Lucia McHardy, Stoneware & Pottery 340 Oakridge Rd., Trent Lakes
12. Daniel Marlatt, Mixed Media Art 250 Edwina Dr., Trent Lakes
13. Janet McDougall, Pottery 1291 County Rd. 36, Trent Lakes
14. Bernie Nicholson, Functional Stoneware 1104 Galway Rd., Trent Lakes
15. Darlene Mann, Multi-media Art 147 Concession Rd. 9, Kawartha Lakes
16. Brenda Mulholland, Various Media 421 Concession Rd. 9, Kawartha Lakes
