Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

New Children's Book Celebrates Slimon the Slug- Illustrated by MAST Artist Bonnie Bews!

2011-07-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

New Children’s Book Celebrates Slimon the Slug
Forth collaboration between Muskoka author and artist.

Author Susan E. Ross and artist Bonnie Bews are marking the release of their fourth children’s book collaboration this summer, Slimon the Slug, the story of a lovable creature’s journey of self-discovery:

Life can be difficult when you’re a slug, just ask Slimon. It’s not easy to maintain your self-esteem when everybody who sees you says “UGH!” Slimon wonders what it would be like to be a bedbug or a centipede or a bumble bee. Finally, he realizes just what it is he wants to be!

The inspiration for the book came to life during a celebration dinner for the arrival of Susan and Bonnie’s second book , The Perfect Bear. Susan asked how Bonnie’s garden was fairing. Out of nowhere, Bonnie’s daughter Jodie blurted out that her “mother hates slugs” because they are eating all her flowers. Susan replied, “All slugs deserve a hug” and from there, the story grew.

Published by Yellow Toadstool Press, Slimon the Slug sends a message to all: “Be yourself.” This book of 12 rhyming verses and 12 creepy, crawly, grimy, slimming, ooh and goo illustrations will have you cheering Slimon on.

Come, celebrate with Susan, Bonnie and Slimon for his debut on July 30^th at Bews’s enchanting studio/gallery, Hinterglas Castle on Walker’s Point, Muskoka, from 2pm to 5pm.

Media are welcome!

For more information about Slimon the Slug, or to schedule an interview, contact Bonnie Bews:
705-684-8050.

For directions to Hinterglas Castle, visit http://www.bonniebews.com/.

MAST Artist Beverley Hawksley Featured in What's Up Muskoka

2011-07-26T00:06:00.000-04:00

MAST artist Beverley Hawksley and musician Sarah Spring have teamed up "to explore the life and identity of Winnie Trainor, the lover of Group of Seven artist Tom Thomson."

Their upcoming show, "Imagining Winnie" will be on display at the Art Space from August 5 - 28, 2011.

Check out page 26 of the July 2011 issue of What's Up Muskoka for the full story!

Enter to Win with Ontario Art and the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour!

2011-07-25T01:22:00.002-04:00

This is your chance to win one of three amazing arts & culture prize packs this summer!

Prize Pack No. 1: Music For a Summer Evening in Parry Sound
Saturday, August 6th

Attend an evening concert at the renowned Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound, Ontario, and spend the night at the beautiful Bayside Inn, just steps from the Charles W. Stockey Centre.

Concert: 7:30 p.m. at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts.

2 second-row centre seats for the Elmer Iseler Singers (Leslie Fagan, soprano; Ryan Harper, tenor; Bruce Kelly, baritone; Andrea Ludwig, mezzo-soprano; Festival Chamber Orchestra; Lydia Adams, conductor) performing the Eleanor Daley Requiem and the Mozart Requiem Mass in D minor, K.626. Tickets valued at $45.00 each. For more information, visit http://www.festivalofthesound.ca/.

One-night stay for two people at the Bayside Inn, 10 Gibson Street, Parry Sound – room with a King-sized bed, including breakfast. Valued at $133.00 plus tax. For more information, visit http://www.psbaysideinn.com/.

Draw date: Monday, July 25th, 2011.

Prize Pack No. 2: Lakeside Painting Workshop in Minett
Tuesday, August 16th & Wednesday, August 17th

You and a friend can spend a full day painting at the lakeside Discovery Centre Gallery at Red Leaves with instructor Greg Hindle. Before and after your day of creativity, spend two nights at the luxurious neighbouring resort, The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa.

Includes a full day painting workshop for 2 people with artist Greg Hindle (August 17th – value: $100.00 plus tax), and 2 nights accommodation for 2 (including breakfast) at The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Minett (August 16th & 17th, value: $538 plus tax).

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Greg draws on the uniqueness of each individual and provides the necessary tools and practical information so that the student may flourish and grow. Because each student comes with a different set of visual tools, a one-on-one approach is geared to the students’ specific needs. Greg’s Muskoka workshops take place at the Discover Centre Gallery, beside Wallace Bay on Lake Rosseau, next to The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa. For more information on art workshops in Muskoka, visit http://www.muskokaplace.ca/.

The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, the first JW Marriott resort in Ontario, Canada, is located in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes. An adventurer’s paradise, this Ontario, Canada resort boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities for all seasons. For more information, visit http://www.therosseau.com/.

Draw date: Friday, August 5th, 2011

Prize Pack No. 3: Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour
Saturday, September 24th

You and a friend can spend the weekend touring artist’s studios throughout Muskoka as part of Canada’s oldest studio tour, with a $100 gift certificate valid at any participating member’s studio. Enjoy the spectacular fall colours, and spend the evening at the King William Inn in Huntsville.

Includes a one-night stay in a Deluxe Jacuzzi Suite at the King William Inn (value: $160 plus tax), as well as a $100 gift certificate valid at any of the participating artist’s studios.

Now in its 33rd year, the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour is Canada’s original studio tour. The brilliant foliage and sparkling waters of Muskoka highlight the pleasure of seeking out the studios tucked in back roads and overlooking scenic vistas. Visit the studios of over 25 diverse artists – painters, sculptors, blacksmiths, photographers, weavers, glassblowers and more! For maps and information on participating artists, visit http://www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com/.

The King William Inn is located in downtown Huntsville, Ontario, within easy walking distance of major attractions and facilities. As guests at this Muskoka Inn you will enjoy being close to many different shopping facilities. A variety of restaurants and lounges are located in historic downtown Huntsville and the surrounding area. For more information, visit http://www.kingwilliaminn.com/.

Draw Date: Friday, September 5th, 2011

Ontario Art will be drawing prizes on the dates listed above. All prizes are valid on the dates listed and are not transferable. Winners will be contacted in the manner in which they opted in (e-mail, Twitter or Facebook). You can opt out of participating in our updates at any time. Your privacy is important to us; your information will not be sold or used for any other purpose.

Click Here To Enter!

Click Here To Download Poster - Tell A Friend!

The Creation of a Box Elder Burl Bowl - Brian & Karen Markham

2011-05-29T15:34:00.000-04:00

The process of turning a beautiful burl bowl begins with a chainsaw. Often the irregularly shaped knob from the side of the tree sits in the workshop for years until it is dry enough to turn. Brian studies the burl and shapes it so that he can mount it on the lathe and sculpt it to its final form.

The grain of a burl is unknown until the tools begin to carve away the bark and the intricate patterns and colours are revealed. Box elder has a very fine texture and often produces beautiful coral-coloured streaks.

Brian decided to create a bowl shape from this burl and used a very sharp gouge to make a graceful rounded form.

Brian then flipped the burl and attached a chuck to the bottom so that he could carve out the top. He drilled a depth-finding hole and as the lathe rotated the burl, he turned out the interior of the bowl. Already the bark inclusions, spalting and red streaks are visible.

A few inches of bark were left on the edge of the burl and the final sanding, oiling and buffing were completed.

The finishing process can take up to a week as the bowl is allow to dry between coats of oil and then mounted on the lathe for further applications. The result is a lustrous food-safe finish that enhances and protects the wood.

The final box elder burl bowl is a delight to behold. The character of the forest is evident in the bark live edge, the intricate figuring and the dramatic natural colouring of the wood.

This final photograph, taken by Kelly Hollinshead, demonstrates the inherent beauty of this rare and unique piece.

http://www.kellytheshutterbug.com/

Visit Brian's Artist Profile
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Last Chance to View "Out of the Woods" Exhibition - This Weekend!

2011-05-27T21:27:00.003-04:00

Last Call!
This weekend is your last chance to view the current exhibition at The Art Space in Huntsville. "Out of the Woods" includes work by 3 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour members; glass artist Susan Higgins, woodturner Brian Markham and painter Catherine O'Mara. The Art Space will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 27 to 29, from 11 am to 4 pm. Various artists will be present both Saturday and Sunday.

For a map to the gallery:
http://www.huntsvilleartsociety.ca/location.html

Studio Tour Members Receive Recognition at Annual MAC Awards

2011-05-13T21:29:00.004-04:00

Muskoka Arts and Crafts is the largest visual arts organization in Muskoka, and each year its members are invited to submit their best recent work for The Spring Members’ Show. This exciting exhibition held each March celebrates the outstanding artistry produced in our District. Several members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour were singled out by the judges this year for special recognition of their talent.

Congratulations are in order to the following members who were selected to receive awards:

BEST USE OF COLOUR
David Dawson – Beyond the Foothills

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR GLASS
Susan Higgins – Autumn Falls (picture above)

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR POTTERY
Jon Partridge – Planter

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR WOOD TURNING
Brian Markham – Global Forest

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR LANDSCAPE
David Dawson – Towards Algonquin Park

Muskoka Arts and Crafts award winners Brian Markham, Jon Partridge, Susan Higgins, David Dawson.

Inviting You to Out of The Woods Celebration

2011-05-12T22:00:00.000-04:00

Three members of The Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, Catherine O'Mara, Susan Higgins and Brian Markham invite you to Out of the Woods: Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Artists of the Limberlost, May 6 through May 29 at The Art Space in Huntsville. The opening reception is Friday, May 6th, 5pm to 8pm.

The art show will feature Catherine's egg tempera paintings, Susan's colourful fused glass and Brian's hand-crafted wood turning.

Catherine O'Mara

Susan Higgins

Brian Markham

For More Information
http://www.huntsvilleartsociety.ca/

Jeweller Stan Tait Featured in North Country Business

2011-05-12T21:30:00.000-04:00

Jeweller and MAST member Stan Tait is featured on the front page of April's North Country Business newspaper.

The article, written by Don McCormick, tells the story of The Angel Pendant, and Stan's adventure to the Dragons' Den studio, CBC's hit television show, where Tait may appear in an upcoming episode.

Click here to read the full article.

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Brian Markham Earns MAC Award of Excellence for Wood Turning

2011-04-10T16:34:00.002-04:00

The artistic talents of Muskoka Arts & Crafts were showcased at the Spring Members' Show last weekend and it was impressive. From painting to glass, pottery to sculpture, furniture to wood turning, MAC fosters the creative spirit of a vibrant artists' community.

What an honour it was for Brian to receive the MAC Award of Excellence for Wood Turning.

Brian entered three spectacular pieces in the "Year Of The Forest" show: a maple burl platter-Global Forest; a cedar burl vessel-Forest's Awakening; and a box elder bowl-Passion.

Each is a distinctive and elegant work of art with depth of grain, colour and natural edge. Congratulations to Brian!

Visit Brian's Artist Profile
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News From Pat Fairhead Studio

2011-04-06T01:45:00.005-04:00

Pat Fairhead, M.A., M.ED, R.C.A., O.S.A., C.S.PW.C., presents an exhibition of her latest large sized colour-saturated watercolours, in association with TRIAS GALLERY.

“WATER”

Exhibition to be held at UPSTAIRS AT 111 VATHURST ST. (at the intersection of Adelaide & Bathurst), 111 Bathurst Street, Toronto,
M5V 2R1.

Opening Reception with Artist present on Thursday, April 28th, 2011, 5pm to 8pm.

Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday, 12pm to 5pm or by appointment.
Please call 647-501-3632 for more information. Show closes May 21.

New Gallery in New York
Pat Fairhead, M.A., M.ED, R.C.A., O.S.A., C.S.PW.C., presents an exhibition of her latest large-sized colour-saturated watercolours at Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York.

“Beyond Borders: Exhibition of Fine Art from Canada”

The exhibition will run October 7 - 28, 2011 with a reception on October 13th from 6pm to 8pm.

Agora Gallery
530 West 25th Street
Chelsea, New York
212-226-4151

Visit Pat's Artist Profile
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Welcome to the MAST Blog!

2011-04-01T00:03:00.003-04:00

Celebrating its 33rd year, the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour will be featuring 25 amazing artists and artisans throughout Muskoka.

Because of how rich and diverse the artists and artisans are, we thought we would create the opportunity for our visitors to get to know the members of the Tour on a more personal level. We will be posting news and updates about the Tour as a whole, as well as exciting news about our members: what they are working on, an inner look at their artistic process, and much more!

Lindgren Pottery Welcomes The Public
At this time of year we are busy making pots for the upcoming busy season in the showroom. Being open year round, we welcome you to our showroom, or invite you to contact us for direct shipping to your address. Our open hours through the winter: Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Welcome To Our New Neighbour And New Studio On The Tour
We're excited that painter Beverley Hawksley has moved her studio into the old farmhouse next to the Lindgren Pottery showroom. We're very happy to welcome our new neighbour and old friend back onto the Tour after an absence of several years. Her work is a bit different than before but just as compelling and creative! For people coming to visit her, or us, we share the parking lot.
Eric Lindgren, Lindgren Pottery

Beverley Hawksley Welcomes You To Her Studio
Now that I am back, nestled happily in the woods, I'm excited to be part of the tour again and looking forward to welcoming you to my studio!
Beverley Hawksley

On behalf of all of the members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, welcome to our new blog, and we look forward to keeping in touch about our future endeavours.