Labour Day Weekend Studio Tours

Sep 02, 2010

David Daszkiewicz and Linda Tremblay of Eclipse Studio near Mountain Grove

This upcoming Labour Day weekend, art and craft lovers will once again be heading down the back roads to discover the haunts and creations of local area artists and artisans on the 18th annual Inroads Studio Tour, and this year there is much new to see.

David Daszkiewicz and Linda Tremblay of Eclipse Studio near Mountain Grove are joining the tour and visitors there will be given a chance to see examples of their work, which includes both Tiffany and lead style glass work. The primary focus of their work is their custom-made stained glass panels. Visitors will have a chance to see completed and installed panels on the premises, like David's work titled “Beaver Dam”, a 6 foot high, 2 panel depiction of a wilderness scene. During the tour both artists will be demonstrating the process of creating the panels, moving from the initial design drawing stages, to the cutting of the individual pieces of glass, and finally the welding and grouting of those pieces into place.

Along with lead glass panels David will also be displaying examples of his three dimensional Tiffany style lamps and boxes.

David stresses the fact that Linda is the “lead artist” of the duo and the one in charge of quality control, since she has 30 years experience as a glass artist under her belt. Linda learned her trade by apprenticing with various glass artisans and worked for years as manager of Creative Art Glass, an architectural glass company in Toronto where she designed and built many large-scale corporate and private stained glass projects.

David brings to the table his own unique sense of design that is influenced by his “painter’s” eye.

Together the two are in the process of transforming their 172 acre property into a home for themselves and their two young children. Visitors can tour the artists studio and show room and also the adjoining B&B/cafe named “Nomad's Rest”, which the couple have designed and built themselves and which is due to be completed this coming November. The lounge and guest rooms have been designed with a European flair and include a fire place, shiny new tin ceilings, and ornately carved and painted wood work. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary cappuccino and dessert and stroll the five acres of gardens and three ponds that surround the property. All visitors will be invited to enter a free raffle for a stained glass panel, which the couple will be giving away to one lucky winner.

For the couple the Inroads Studio Tour is a means to show art enthusiasts the possibilities of enhancing their homes and lives with stained glass and also a chance to see how they have transformed their property to a living and breathing art work which they hope will offer a unique experience to visitors.

Also new and noteworthy on the tour this year is landscape painter Jean Finlayson, who will be showing her scenic paintings of the Canadian Shield at the Kennebec Community hall in Arden. Joining her there will be a display of the Land O' Lakes Artisans Guild members’ work and also the Arden Quilters.

Also new to the tour this year is Jo Crivellaro, who will be welcoming guests to her off-grid wilderness cabin near Mountain Grove where she creates beeswax candles, cards, mosaic tile tables and knit wear.

Not to be missed of course are long-time tour participants, who include a wide array of artists and artisans working in a variety of mediums that include, paint, wood, clay, printmaking, batik, and fine metals.

This year the tour has been extended to four days in the hopes of giving art lovers more time to visit each of the artists and a chance get to know the ins and outs of their work.

The tour runs from Friday, September 3 to Monday, September 6 everyday from 10am-5pm. To find out more please visit www.inroadstour.ca

Tour brochures are available at various tourist kiosks, stores and other local establishments around Lanark and Frontenac counties.

Sundance Studio Tour

We have ordered the Sun!!.......Labour Day Weekend in Maberly should be on your calendar. Last year close to 4000 patrons enjoyed a warm sunny visit to stroll thru the gardens and cedar trail enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and original artists. Sundance 2010 welcomes four new artists who will accompany the 16 returning artists to make Sundance one of the largest gatherings of environmentally responsible artists in Ontario. “From propane cylinders made into drums to vibrantly painted reclaimed chairs with chic design the tour has an artistic surprise waiting around every rock and tree” – Perth Courier

Our new artists this year include Debra Tate-Sears a renowned painter. Domenic Back brings a skill in cabinetmaking second to none; Corey and Katerina from Evolution Iron create spectacular hand made iron work. They were recently selected as finalists for the Ottawa Transit Display. Marilynee Gowan returns from a sabbatical with her whimsical multi-media art. We are planning a mystery guest this year too!

Paul and Michele are returning for their 4th year with their “Lunch in the Gardens” serving a locally grown and organic lunches. A new organic salad will be available this year. Paul is adding local micro brewery ale along with Ontario wines to complete your dining experience. Bestowed the award “Canada’s Greenest Restaurant”, the Fall River Restaurant is “just down the road” for a dining pleasure after the show.

As you enjoy your lunch, renowned local jazz pianist Clay Young and Clarinetist Dave Renaud from the Ottawa Symphony return with their relaxing light jazz for your pleasure. Their sets are from 11AM to 2PM. The gardens are bathed in background music as you stroll around or relax at one of the ponds.

As always, admission is free; parking is free in our lot across the road where complimentary electric-powered four-passenger golf carts will transport you to the show. Ample washroom facilities are on site and don’t forget to enter our draw this year.

Located on the outskirts of the village of Maberly, 20 min from Perth, Carmen’s gardens have charmed thousands of guests; some of our artists are displayed in timber frame “studios” along a cedar trail. Our artists value and care for our environment by utilizing as much reclaimed, recycled and natural materials as possible making Sundance Studio Tour one of the most unique and fascinating artist tours in the region, all in one location……….join us this coming Labour Day Weekend! For more information go to www.sundancestudio.ca.