A journey of art

Arts Trail hopeful for an artfully-inspired 15th season

Art and artists are an integral part of the Prince Edward County landscape, playing a significant role in the fabric of this place. It`s been that way for a quite a few decades. They are an attraction for visitors and locals and an economic driver for community. While artists of all descriptions have settled here for many years, there have never been more artists living and working in the County than now. Most are drawn here, taken in by their surroundings, by community, by the vistas and views, by the peace and quiet of the place, by its rural charms and quaintness, by the very people that work and play here. Artists found their way here somehow and some way, and once they step onto this island and discover the awaiting adventure, naturally drawn to the existing vibrant arts community, they usually end up staying a while, and some never leave.

The Prince Edward County Arts Trail celebrates a dozen artists and arts businesses as it celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Consisting of both artist studios and multi-artist galleries, its members are located throughout the County and are open yearround. At a recent launch, Jim Turner, Arts Trail executive committee member and co-owner of 2gallery noting the special anniversary said it had been “Fifteen years of creating a unique and memorable experience for visitors and residents alike”. Tara Wilkinson, PEC Arts Trail Chair, has been involved with the Arts Trail committee for 14 of the last 15 years. “The PEC Arts Trail connects art collectors, buyers and lovers with professional creators and curators in unique single-artist studios and contemporary, multi-artist galleries throughout the County,” said Wilkinson.

People are encouraged to take a self-guided tour whether planning a visit to several artist locations or just one, where distinctive blue Arts Trail signs can be found in front of each participating location. Updated each year, the 28-page bilingual 2022-23 Arts Trail guide and map (this year’s cover features the distinctive and whimsical work of Andrew King) available from many locations around the County (also downloadable) will tell you everything you need to know about the artist, the art and where to find them (complete with a mapped out trail route), plus lots more neat stuff about Prince Edward County and the arts.

Whether an art lover, a serious collector or a curious browser, a broad range of price points and media await, from woodwork and sculpture, glass and ceramics, furniture and fabric, paintings, photography, prints, mixed media and more. Additionally, many Arts Trail locations host demonstrations, events, workshops, lectures, concerts and other artistic offerings throughout the year. Its beginnings reach back to 2001 when the now defunct Prince Edward County Taste Trail came to be launched as an initiative to the former Taste the County. “The Prince Edward County Arts Trail followed, launching in 2008 in conjunction with local artists, studio and gallery owners,” explained Wilkinson.

The eclectic and exciting contingent of participant artists this year welcomes four new member artists and galleries including GRACE Studio in Cherry Valley. “Artist Heather Kerr uses circular images and abstract natural themes in her paintings to calm the spirit. Heather also offers workshops,” says Wilkinson, describing the studio experience and the regenerative power of art as “a haven of mindfulness”. The 2022 Arts Trail also welcomes Mike and Susan McGuire of Bark Woodshop and Studio on Closson Road, Hillier, as well as Hatch Gallery in Bloomfield, who specialize in Canadian post-war and contemporary abstract art. “A boutique woodworking studio located on the wine route, Bark Woodshop offers one-of-akind, beautifully-crafted pieces, many of them capturing the beauty of the wood, described as “elegantly functional”.

An interesting addition is the Art.Wagon showcasing Jo and Steff Kressin`s mixed media art works (sculpture, photography and paintings) in an unusual environment in a re-purposed hay wagon, described as the “most intimate and charming stop on the Arts Trail”. “We are thrilled to welcome Art.Wagon, Bark Woodshop and Studio, Hatch Gallery and GRACE Studio who join our long-standing member studios and galleries in offering visitors beautiful works of art in inspiring settings,” said Wilkinson.

The importance of the impact, especially the economic impact, the Arts Trails has created cannot be understated. This one group of 12 independent member arts businesses combined draw an astonishing 60,000-plus visitors annually (in a typical non-COVID year), something Turner calls ”pretty impressive”. “We all know that art and culture is a significant economic driver everywhere, and definitely here in the County,” said Turner. “Those 60,000 visitors spend millions of dollars at our locations, at the businesses of our strategic partners, and other accommodation, food, beverage, retail and experiential businesses throughout the County.” Turner says that the Arts Trail only exists on funds from member dues and support from its strategic partners. “With that limited budget, we create a significant marketing reach with our printed guide, digital assets like our website and social media, PR efforts, and newspaper, magazine and radio advertising,” said Turner. “We reach tens of thousands of eyes and ears.”

Continuing with the Arts Trail family this year is painter Pamela Carter at Pamela Carter Studio in Wellington, also Craig Alexander of Sybil Frank Gallery in Wellington who exhibits the work of other artists. And just outside Wellington is sculptor Tom Ashbourne of Tom Ashbourne Gallery. Just north of Bloomfield is Oeno Gallery and Sculpture Garden, which represents contemporary and historical fine art, and also in the area is painter Doug Thompson at JD Thompson Fine Paintings whose work is described as remarkable and atmospheric. Home to traditional and contemporary fine art housed within a beautiful gallery home is Mad Dog Gallery near East Lake. And not to be forgotten is 2gallery on Picton Main Street, as well as ANDARA Gallery, located north of Bloomfield, home to encaustic painter Andrew Csafordi and fine art photographer Tara Wilkinson. “The Arts Trail is an important program that helps support and grow professional artists and arts businesses in Prince Edward County, and it contributes to the overall cultural fabric of the community.” More information on the PEC Arts Trail and its 2022 member artists can be found at artstrail.ca.