The air is ripe with the scent of pumpkin spice lattes, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the hum of the creative engine, as Studio Tour artists prepare for the 27th Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour. The Gabriola Arts Council welcomes over 60 artists to the tour this year with nine new participants. You will see familiar faces from various places, but lots of new work to tempt your walls, foyers, and gardens.
The Studio Tour brochure is available at most businesses on Gabriola and during the Tour weekend BC Ferries will be handing them out at the Nanaimo Harbour terminal. There is also a digital map that is mobile friendly, which will help you navigate your way around the island and locate the studios on your list of must sees.
The Preview Gallery at Tour Central will be located upstairs at Nova Boutique and Gallery in Folklife Village. The opening night is Thursday, October 5th at 7pm. The work of almost every artist on Tour will be displayed and if they are not too tired from preparations, you should be able to rub shoulders with a few artists as well. We welcome Adam Larson, Johnny Sauvage, and José Vieira to play a café type set while you enjoy a beverage and take in the stunning artwork that will adorn the walls and plinths. Jewellery to oils, pottery to wood, textiles to glass, acrylics to metal and more. Tour Central is open Friday October 6th to Monday October 9th from 10-5pm each day and is a magical place where you can art bathe and take in the incredible creativity this island has to offer. You can also purchase your tickets to win a gorgeous 21” glass bowl by Tammy Hudgeon. Tickets go on sale opening night and the draw will be on October 9th.
Studio Tour is a self-guided, free event and does require a vehicle, scooter, or bicycle to visit the studios located around the charming island of Gabriola. Go to artsgabriola.ca for more information.
