The 11th annual Passion Made Studio Art Tour took place this past weekend in Bradford, featuring 19 unique, local artists.
There were three locations to visit on the self-directed tour: The BWG Library and Cultural Centre, Art in The Barn on Morris Road, and the “Girl Cave” featuring Echoes in the Attic up-cycled fashions.
At each location, visitors were able to fill in a ballot for a chance to win artwork done by some of the artists.
The event kicked off Saturday morning at the BWG Library and Cultural Centre with a speech and presentation from Mayor Rob Keffer and members of council.
Every year, artists are invited to submit a piece of art that reflects the character of Bradford, for the “Preserve Bradford West Gwillimbury” contest. Together, council selects their favourite piece to purchase and display somewhere in town.
This year’s winner was Jim Woods’ painting, “Market Day” of the Bradford Farmers’ Market outside the BWG Library and Cultural Centre.
The BWG Library and Cultural Centre featured the works of Ann Bergman and her textile art, Jackie Jones, author of the Gratitude Bugs series, and jewellery artisans, Deeni and Jo De Medeiros and Vicky Topp.
Paintings by Maria Petrov, Sylva Srojian, Marian Leeper, Jim Woods, Christine Orr, and Chad Williams were also on display and available for purchase.
Woodcarving artist William Burlton brought many of his custom carved pieces to the show and Amanda Gwynne-Farrish with Pook Designz, a collection of colourful, clay creations were an eye catching attraction in the middle of the Zima Room.
Nature photographer, Safani Gunaskekera had her framed pieces showcased, including her comic-strip style photo board “Bradford Beaver Story”.
There were also interactive food demonstrations being conducted by Sweet B’s Confectionery and Samantha’s Sweet House.
Art in the Barn featured the works of founding members of the Studio Art Tour, Stella Wadsworth and Maureen L. Joyce along with fellow painters, Angie Horsley, Corrine Donnelly, and Kathryn Bury.
The rustic barn walls were filled with beautiful acrylic and watercolour pieces, surrounded by soft white lights.
The “Girl Cave”, located on Gres Court, featured up-cycled purses, handbags, and fashion items by Laura Langevin and Vicky Gerke, the owners of Echoes In the Attic.
The free tour was self-directed and went from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
For more information on the BWG Studio Tour, visit their website here.
