Just as nature offers up a canvas of colour in the turning leaves each fall, the season is also prime time for exploring the colour and creativity of area artists and artisans. Several studio tours and art shows are on deck through October. Here’s a sampling:
This weekend
Merrickville: Check out the works of almost 20 artists at the annual Merrickville Artists’ Guild Studio Tour and Sale Saturday and Sunday. Glass art, mixed media, paintings and more are on display in and around the picturesque Rideau Canal town. The self-guided tour runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For details and to download a brochure, visit merrickvilleartists.com.
Madawaska: Enjoy the fall colours in the Ottawa Valley on the 23rd annual Madawaska Valley Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, more than two dozen artists at 16 studios will show off their works in various media. To download a map and for more information, visit madawaskastudiotour.com.
Detail of a painting by Aubrey Croker, featured artist at the Artists of Stonebridge show and sale.
Barrhaven: Landscape folk art painter Aubrey Croker is the featured artist at the Artists of Stonebridge annual show and sale Saturday and Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, see the works of 11 local artists in various media. It’s at the Court in Barrhaven, 1111 Longfields Dr. A percentage of sales will be donated to the Barrhaven Food Cupboard. For details, search Stonebridge Artists on Facebook or email artistsofstonebridge@gmail.com.
Detail of a painting by Wayne Williams, one of the artists in the Perth Autumn Studio Tour.
Next weekend
Perth: Check out the works of 24 artists and artisans at seven studios nestled along the meandering roads of Brooke Valley in the Perth Autumn Studio Tour Oct. 11 to 13. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., discover clay, wood, stone, glass, ink, chocolate, photography, paper and textiles formed into items as varied as sinks, paintings, canoes, sculpture, furniture and more. For details and to download a self-guided map, visit perthstudiotour.com or call 613 267-5237.
Coming
Ottawa: Check out the works of more than 70 juried artists from Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec at the annual Ottawa Art Expo Oct. 24 and 25. There will be demonstrations and a boutique and the show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the St. Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave. Admission and parking are free. For details, visit ottawaartexpo.com.
