Dear readers, I know I haven’t posted much this year, and suddenly this weekend is the “Welcome Back to Otterville” annual studio tour. Please forgive me for the late notice – I have been roughing it, trying to build a house several hours away from our current home.

 
This will be my last time hosting tourists in my Otterville home gallery. I’ll continue my work there, with new inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us in Eastern Ontario. And perhaps I will be welcomed back to Otterville as a tourist, or at least a friend and neighbour!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank every person who has supported my artistic career here for the last 19 years in Oxford County, whether it was subscribing here, hiring me to teach, inviting me to exhibit, purchasing my art, recommending my art to friends, “liking” or “sharing” any kind of post – you all have my deep appreciation. In addition, I’d like to mention how much I will miss many of these artistic people in Otterville, who have become dear friends. They know who they are.

If you have made it this far reading, I would also like to give you a discount, during the studio tour weekend at my gallery, of 20% off the purchase of any piece of my art. Just mention that you read my blog post! 

Here is a press release about the tour:

Welcome Back to Otterville: Annual Studio Tour November 16 & 17
The historic village of Otterville invites art lovers and community members to the annual “Welcome Back to Otterville” Studio Tour on November 16 and 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM. This much-anticipated event showcases the vibrant artistic talent of the village and opens the doors to both local artists’ studios and significant historical sites.
Visitors can immerse themselves in creativity as they explore various art forms, including exquisite watercolors by Joan McQuiggin, a founding member of the tour, and stunning pottery by Susan DeRoo, both exhibiting at the Grand Trunk Railway Station. Trudy Verberne designs and creates cards handmade cards and also speciality beadwork items.
Attendees will also have the chance to visit other renowned artists such as Sue Goossens, Lianne Todd, Linda DeJonghe, Mae Leonard, and Shirley Hokke, each welcoming guests into their home studios.
In addition to the artistic displays, several historical sites will be open to the public. Highlights include the operational 1845 grist mill, maintained by the South Norwich Historical Society, the Grand Trunk Railway Station and the African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, a landmark of the Underground Railroad. The octagonal Woodlawn Adult Community Centre will also be accessible to visitors during the tour.
For those looking to savor local flavors, Plaid Shirt Farms Ltd, just east of Otterville, will feature their environmentally responsible farming products. Guests can purchase a variety of items, including jams, chutneys, juices, honey, and frozen haskap berries, perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
Additional information and a detailed map of the studio locations can be found at www.welcomebacktootterville.ca. Yellow flags will mark each participating studio, making it easy to navigate the tour. For further inquiries, please contact 519-879-6352.
Join us in celebrating the creativity and history of Otterville on November 16 and 17. All are welcome to experience a unique day in the countryside!
Thank you to the Township of Norwich for their continued support.