Whitchurch-Stouffville Fine Art Studio Tour marks 25th anniversary

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Fine Art Studio Tour and Sale is celebrating 25 years of “Sharing Art with the Community” on October 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Visitors can enjoy the work of local artists while taking in the stunning fall colours on a countryside drive.

In 2001, husband and wife “plein air” painters Margaret Grandison and Ray McNeice attended a small art show organized by a local potters group in the vacated Town Hall (now 19 on the Park Theatre), which included a couple of their painter friends. Having experienced a tour of artisan studios in Muskoka the previous summer, they discussed the possibility of a local Art Studio Tour concept. The result, as they say, is history.

“Where there is a will, there is a way,” McNeice said. “The Studio Tour is built on a reciprocal relationship centred around access to the arts. Local artists have the opportunity to share their work with the community, while visitors not only experience the art but also connect with the artists behind it. We are passionate about the arts – especially those created within our own community – and we invite you to share in that passion.”

He says that the group is proud to hear visitors describe the tour as “one of the best studio tours” they’ve attended.

This year’s event features 17 artists at 12 venues. Each location is the studio or home of the participating artist. You will have the chance to meet the artists, view their work, and see the creative spaces where it comes to life.

McNeice and his wife’s beautiful, art-filled century home—the longest-tenured home/studio on the tour—remains a not-to-be-missed highlight for all to experience.

The self-guided tour is free and open to all ages, with no obligation to purchase. Guests can also enter a free draw for a $250 voucher to spend on artwork from participating artists. For more details and artist samples, visit www.WSStudioTour.com.