Spend a weekend taking in quality art in unique locations – from artist studios to heritage sites across Severn! The Coldwater & Area Studio Tour takes place June 22nd and 23rd and is a summer highlight for art enthusiasts in Orillia & Lake Country. Coldwater is a popular spot of eclectic creativity just 20 minutes outside of Orillia, and a popular destination for tourists coming up to Cottage Country.
The tour itself features 38 local artists, fine craftspeople, and creative sorts who work and live around Ontario and have a special link to the village of Coldwater, whether its home studios or keeping Coldwater near to their hearts from connections to the town and surrounding area.
The Power of Sharing Art
An artist’s process is often a solitary one, “We work in our studios alone,” says Cheryl Krismer, Volunteer Director of the tour, “we dream up new things to make with no outlet to show others what we have made. Having the studio tour allows us to showcase our talent and our studios.”
Additionally, many visitors love the tour as a way to connect the work with the artist who made it, to share in their stories, and the ideas behind the art.
Mediums included on the tour include fine art, photography and several woodworkers, along with guitarmakers, custom fishing lure markers, pottery, textile artists, found object artists, and jewellers. The quality of work is outstanding as several artists are recognized national and internationally for their talents. “Our visitors comment about how the variety and quality of the work they see is on par with anything they may come across in other shows or galleries.” Visitors are thrilled to see local art that is unique, contemporary, professional, and personable.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Beautiful Locales
The Village of Coldwater has become an attractive area for artists to put down roots due to the creative nature of the community. Events and businesses showcase and support artists year-round bringing a vibrancy to the area, making it unique in Lake Country. “We know our neighbours by name,” says Krismer, “we know the village because we see the art being made around us and it pushes us to create more, to extend our abilities and enhance the community.”
Inspiration is pulled from around the region, such as Big Rock Landing, the Coldwater Mill, or Big Chute Marine Railway. Visitors can go to many of these locations in person to see for themselves.
With seven stops featuring multiple artists, the tour is a chance to open doors and show everyone what goes on inside artist studios, or in locations that are central to the community, like the Coldwater Mill and the Canadiana Museum. Visitors can enjoy the other displays at these locations, including Coldwater Mill’s historic exhibits and Indigenous Gallery or the Coldwater Canadiana Museum’s antique tractor and equipment display. Parking is free at each location and most are wheelchair accessible.
TOUR LOCATIONS
Artful Outing Made Easy – NEW Shuttle Bus
The tour is a great day out, with all locations within 5km of Coldwater. It gives visitors a chance to discover the heart of Coldwater’s downtown to shop and dine at a number of boutiques and cafes. The day is open to anyone with no entry free and you can visit all or some of the locations at your preference. All locations are indoors, making it a great outing for rain or shine.
There is a NEW shuttle bus this year that will operate both days of the tour, running from 10am until 4pm daily, stopping at all locations, free of charge. Visitors can park their cars in Coldwater and take the shuttle bus to each tour location.
Want the chance to bring home even more art during the tour? Enter into the Coldwater Studio Tour’s Prize Draw for the chance to win a $200 gift certificate with any of the tour’s 38 artists or a prize to Oak Bay Golf Course. Entry ends June 15th
HOW TO ENTER
Extend Your Stay
Start planning your trip to the Coldwater Studio Tour this June! Book accommodations at one of the region’s resorts or hotels to make the most out of your time in Orillia & Lake Country.
Orillia is home to a variety of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in close proximity to waterfront views and lake country experiences. Enjoy wonderful hospitality during your stay, while exploring nearby shopping and dining hubs in the historic city.
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