Art, craftsmanship and the fall scenery of North Frontenac will come together later this month for the annual Back Roads Studio Tour, marking its 13th edition.
The two-day event takes place September 26th and 27th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, giving visitors a chance to explore studios and meet local artists and artisans in communities including Cloyne, Fernleigh, Ardoch, Plevna, Ompah and Snow Road Station.
The tour features a wide range of handmade work, including photography, painting, mixed media, recycled materials and other crafts. Visitors can see the artists’ work, learn about their creative process and purchase original pieces directly from the makers. Clair Surra, one of the participating artists tells us what the tour is all about.
Organizers say the tour is also an opportunity to experience some of North Frontenac’s rural back roads at one of the most colourful times of the year. The landscape of forests, lakes and winding roads provides a backdrop to the studios scattered throughout the township.
Among this year’s participating artists are photographer Amy Kay, Barnova Studios’ Gaile and Trevor Bethell, mixed-media artist Deborah Stanley, photographer Owen Phillips and mixed-media artist Penny Hawley. Other participants include Mariclaro, which creates handmade bags and accessories from salvaged materials, and Brian and Leane Bailey, whose artwork includes coloured pencil and pastel pieces and laser-engraving master artists from the Tinker Sisters Workshop.
Lindsay Surra of the Tinker Sisters says the tour gives attendees a rare behind-the-scenes peak into the creative process.
The Back Roads Studio Tour is free and visitors can create their own route between the participating studios. This year there 33 artists will be featured in 20 different tour stops. Organizers also highlight local restaurants and other businesses along the tour route, making it possible to turn the weekend into a full-day North Frontenac road trip.
All the details can be found at northfrontenacbackroadsstudiotour.com. You can hear our complete conversation with the Surra sisters below.
Story by Brian Turner
