The Gravenhurst Autumn Art Tour gives visitors an inside look at local studios

Guests are invited to step into the world of dozens of creative people during the upcoming Gravenhurst Autumn Art Tour.

Running on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the tour will feature the works of over 60 Muskoka artists being exhibited in their studios and presenting locations throughout the community.

“The Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour is a fantastic way to connect with artists in the area,” says Janice Feist, who is a participating artist. “It is a relaxed and enjoyable no-pressure way to see artwork and visit the creators of the work in a great atmosphere.”

Feist will be joined at her studio at 1843 Muskoka Beach Rd. – in between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst – by longtime friend and fellow artist Wendie Donabie. Feist invited Donabie, whose studio is in Bracebridge, to exhibit together and the answer was a resounding yes.

“I couldn’t be anywhere better,” says Donabie. “We’re good friends and support each other’s art practice so saying yes was easy.”

Much like most of the artists taking part in the Autumn Art Tour, Donabie says that it’s the perfect time of year to visit Muskoka: enjoy the lovely fall colours while also finding some wonderful art to hang at home, at the cottage, in the office, or as a gift for family and friends.

Feist adds that she loves the community feeling of collective art tours and exhibitions where creative people are excited about their work and sharing it with the public.

“Tours are a fabulous way to connect the public with artisans,” says Feist. “Without an established tour, sometimes an artists’ location is missed, and the audience doesn’t have an opportunity to experience where the magic happens.”

With many different artisans taking part in the tour, there are many media on display including woodwork, acrylic painting, photography, stained glass, pottery, handcrafted jewellery, and more.

“Art tours offer visitors a wide variety of artwork styles and genres to view and choose from,” says Donabie. “And visitors not only purchase art but also spend time and money in our resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other retail locations.”

The diverse and talented art community in Muskoka has long been renowned by those in the know. Take the tour and find out what they’re talking about. For a full list of artists, locations and a map, visit Gravenhurst Autumn Art Tour.

“Visitors meet the artists and learn what inspired its creation and how it was made,” says Wendie about why people should do the tour. “Those stories build an emotional connection between the purchaser and the artist.”