Rhonda Watson | Sep 25, 2024


It's time for one of our biggest weekends of the year in North Frontenac! The Back Roads Studio Tour has finally arrived! On both Sat Sept 28th and Sun Sept 29th you can travel along our beautiful highways and visit the 24 Artists & Artisans at the 16 Studios. It runs from 10-4pm each day. I've seen maps at the North of 7, Lookout Home Hardware and at the LCBO, I also have some at the Plevna Library. You can also visit their website for info at www.northfrontenacbackroadsstudiotour.com

Studio 1 is Amy Kay Photography, located at 1007 Road 506 in Cloyne. Professional photographer and owner of The Tweet Boutique, Amy has countless beautiful pictures of nature at its best! 

Studio 2 is hosted by Gaile & Trevor Bethell (Barnova Studios Arts and Photographs) at 1004 Fosters Lane in Cloyne. You are invited to stop in and enjoy their Original Acrylic Art & Close up, Landscape & Nature Photography. 

Studio 3 is hosted by Deborah Stanley Arts & Crafts at 1046 Lancaster Lane in Cloyne. This Studio consists of mixed media artwork and natural elements. You will find acrylic, glass, copper, cinder, crushed glass and other interesting items in her many beautiful pieces of wall art, ornaments, trays, magnets, keychains, bookmarks and so much more!

Studio 4  is hosted by Owen Phillips at  the Fernleigh Lodge (1796B South Road) in Fernleigh. Owen is a young and upcoming Talented Canadian Artist. You will find photos of many beautiful images he observes around him based close to home here in North Frontenac.

Studio 5 is Creative Effects by Penny (5589 Ardoch Road, Ardoch)  Penny created her first work of art on a piece of wood, but her canvas can be a variety of many things. She also enjoys bringing life back to many older unused items. 

Across the road from Penny at Studio 6 is Homestead Studio Glass (5586 Ardoch Road), where you will find Nancy, a talented artist that enjoys learning new techniques to improve her finished masterpieces. She has many beautiful fused glass items here from her kiln and other very pretty glass items. 

Studio 7 is the Red Dragon Gallery and Gift Shop at 1091 Ridge Lane in Ardoch. The lovely and talented Cathy Owen has been painting watercolors for 32 years and teaching for over 26 years. She began traditional stained glass work about 22 years ago, but now has evolved to include beautiful mosaic stained glass, sculptures, jewelry, painted fabric and garden art.

Studio 7 is also where you will find Yellow House Studio. Wendy is passionate about cyanotype - it's  the interesting art of sun photography - a cameraless technique that harnesses the light of the sun to create stunning blue and white images. Wendy's work is largely nature-inspired, which is reflected in most of the Breathe-taking pieces she creates!

Studio 8 is where you will find Farm House Stitching & Vintage Journals at 6172 Road 506 in Ardoch. Linda's studio is filled with her Beautiful Vintage Journals which are hand crafted from brand new materials & distressed, with various mediums, to take on a vintage look. Her quilted items are all lovingly put together. She has tote bags, cell phone pouches, wallets, cell/dog walking pouches, quilts and so much more!

Studio 9 is the home of Stone ridge Art Studio at 6672 Hwy 506 in Plevna. At this studio you will note Katie's passion for painting, photography, graphic design and sculpture overlap, taking her into new artistic directions, never settling on one style of art. You will even find deliciously sweet honey!! Creativity flourishes at this studio with Katie! 

Studio 10 is located at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) You will find multiple talents at this location. Including; Original Photography by Michelle Ross. Michelle knew nature photography was her passion ever since she took her first picture of a Beautiful Sunflower many years ago! She loves to capture the beauty of nature with her camara. You will find her fabulous works of art complimented on unique handmade greeting cards and also in various sizes of prints and collage posters.

Grindstone Pottery (Trina Gorr) is at Studio 10 as well. Check outher new mixed clay pieces

Studio 10 is also where you will find MarZeeDotes Designs. This artist has been creating jewelry on and off since they made their first macrame choker back in the mid-70's. Turning a piece of copper, silver, polymer, metal clay or beads into something beautiful gives great satisfaction to this talented artist!

At Studio 11 (6144 Buckshot Lake Road) you will find Richard Emery's Forest Frames. Unique slices of hollowed logs , sanded and sealed. You can find beautifully framed pictures, or perhaps find a frame for your own personal pictures! Also at Studio 11 you will find Debbie Emery Quilts. Debbie is a very talented seamstress who enjoys creating various kinds of needlework!

You will find the Amazing Anne Garrett at Studio 12 on 2284B River Road in Ompah. After a worklife in health care, Anne has switched gears and retired with a paintbrush in hand. You won't want to miss stopping by and checking out the versatility of acrylics Anne uses to create her masterpieces!

I really should have started my studio reviews earlier because I've run out of time, but briefly you won't want to miss out stopping at the Ompah Community Centre (10200 Road 509) to check out these trio of lovely ladies;  Betty Hunter, Linda Rush and Liz Jackson! They have this studio filled with beautiful treasures! 

And last, but certainly not least,  Studio 14 The Nature Natives Art Gallery (6127 South Lavant Road in Ompah), Studio 15 the Silent Valley Alpaca at 1120 Donaldson Road in Ompah and Studio 16 (1406 Gulley Road) where you will find Jenna Rose Textile Studio and the Back Forty Artisan and Cheese. Needless to say, this tour has something for everybody!!

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