Studio Tour preview

Pop-up art show at The Armoury in Picton

Art lovers were able to get a preview of this year’s Studio Tour at a popup event held at The Armoury in Picton this past weekend. The County Arts space was transformed into an art gallery with over 40 works of art from artists who will be participating in the Tour. Wellington artist Pamela Carter said the event was intended to raise public awareness of the upcoming Studio Tour, which takes place on the third weekend in September. Ms. Carter has been a participating artist in the Studio Tour for about 15 years, and was thrilled to have this preview show take place at The Armoury. “This is such a wonderful room for an art display,” she said. There was a steady flow of visitors through the weekend, and a number of artworks were sold. Taking a page from Art in the County, visitors were also asked to vote on which piece they liked the best.

Ms. Carter said the Studio Tour is a fabulous way to engage people with the artists in the County, and it provides her with a goal to work towards. “I really enjoy the tour. It’s always a happy occasion. It gives you a deadline, a reason and a timeframe to work towards, and I think it really makes you up your game,” she said. She added that many people come back year after year.

She does make some art sales during the tour, but she said that people are often checking out all the offerings. “They’ll go to as many studios as they can, and then they may come back the next week and buy something.”

The Studio Tour was founded in 1993 by artist Peta Hall, and at first only included a few studios in the Bloomfield area. It has now grown to encompass all of the County, and this year there are 62 artists at 39 studio locations. Participating artists and studios are chosen by the Studio Tour executive. They visit the studio locations to ensure they are accessible to the public, and they inspect each artist’s body of work to ensure the quality is high. Over the history of the Studio Tour, more than 350 artists have taken part. With 39 studio locations, it can be a lot to take in. However, the organizers say it’s a great way to see the sights of the County and what is has to offer. There will be notices and direction signs to guide visitors. New this year is the Toureka! app for smartphones. After downloading the app, visitors can pick the studios they would like to visit and the app will map out a route to follow. The Studio Tour provides the opportunity to see art where it’s being—or perhaps even as it’s being made—and to speak directly with the artists about their process or what inspires them.

Candice Woodard has been participating in the Studio Tour for the past five years. She has a small studio of her own, but for the Tour she is a guest artist in Paul Verrrall’s studio in Picton. Ms. Woodard has always had an interest in drawing, and about 10 years ago she started painting using dry pastels or acrylic. She is self-taught, taking workshops and specific courses to hone her craft. She is inspired by the landscapes that she sees. “Right now, when I see a big sky I just want to run home and try to paint it,” she said. Being on the Studio Tour has given her more confidence in her practise, and she is gratified when people who see her on the tour get in touch with her afterwards, whether it’s to buy a piece or just to voice their appreciation. “That’s always fulfilling, when you have people recognize your name and your work,” she said.

The Studio Tour takes place September 19 to 21. For more information, please visit pecstudiotour.com