Local artists open their doors this weekend

The streets of Wellington will be welcoming art lovers this weekend as the annual Art Walk takes place May 20, 21, 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The idea is to leave the car and to explore on foot what Wellington has to offer. There is a great density of artists and artisans in close proximity, all worth a little exploration. The idea behind the self-guided art walk is an opportunity for the community to discover the many different artists and artisans in Wellington, all within just a couple of walkable blocks on and just beyond Main Street.

Beginning at the far west end of Wellington at 17 MacDonald Street is acrylic painter Bill Hurst. Heading east, Dayna Law Art Gallery and Studio is at 358 Main Street; steps away at the corner of Consecon Street and Main Street is Renee Hiltz (333 Main Street). Heading up Consecon Street is Laurie McRae at Eilean Donan Studio at 66 Consecon Street, and Margaret McFetridge of Bloomin’ Barn Studio is located at 71 Consecon Street. Second Avenue has Armstrong Glassworks with glass blower Mark Armstrong (326 Second Avenue) and almost next door is Pamela Carter Studio on 52 West Street.

Continuing on Niles Street is Judy Taylor at the Spotted Zebra Studio (290 Niles Street) offering a unique selection of small gifts including alcohol ink tiles in glorious colours. Two doors down (282 Niles Street) are Michelle Kosoy and Pierre Bouchard, Clay and Glass Studio. Michelle is a potter and her pottery is delicate and detailed. Pierre is a fused glass artist. His work is highly decorative, and interesting as he takes pieces of glass and puts it in very high temperature in a kiln, and the glass fuses together and the parts become a single unit.

From Niles Street, heading down Wharf Street you come to Sybil Frank Gallery (305 Main Street) and heading east, you will find SideStreet Gallery (264 Main Street). Continuing a little further east is Joanna McFarland Garden Gallery and Studio at 233 Main Street. Carol Gander of Beach Street Studio is the farthest location to the east at 22 Beach Street.

Each participating artist location is identified by a bright green bicycle positioned outside their property signalling they are part of the art walk.