Discovery Guide
Index Index About Us
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Studios Clayworks Studio Peter Robson Studios and Gallery Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio
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Galleries Jennifer M. Designs 6 Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing 7 Portside Gallery 8
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Elgin Arts Trail Map
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Galleries Shelley McVittie’s Gallery St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre The Arts & Cookery Bank Village Crier Gallery
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Crafters Sparta Country Candles Little Red Mitten
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Workshops At a Glance
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About Us The County of Elgin, in partnership with the Elgin Business Resource Centre and St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, invites tourists and the local community to experience the finest visual arts attractions the region has to offer on the Elgin Arts Trail. Launched in the fall of 2011, the Trail provides comprehensive resources to explore 12 studios and galleries exhibiting diverse collections of artwork. Prepare yourself for an imaginative and unforgettable journey of original paintings, pottery, fibre art, candles and more. Some say that Elgin County- St. Thomas is a work of art itself, with its sprawling countryside, historic city, and towns and villages that charm thousands of tourists annually. The County’s natural beauty and traditional character make it easy to understand how such a vibrant creative arts community developed over the years. Artistic inspiration is all around. Start planning your trip today. Discover your inner artist, explore the Elgin Arts Trail. www.elginartstrail.ca 1-877-GO ELGIN, x168
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Studio
Clayworks studio In Elgin County’s northeast is the small, scenic town of Belmont, home to Catherine Craig’s rustic working studio filled with her original clay artwork, sketches and sculptures. A professional visual artist with more than 40 years experience, she values community empowerment and storytelling - the hallmarks of her work. Catherine is a partner in the Art Gallery of Lambeth and has exhibited in many galleries across Southern Ontario in both group and solo exhibitions. A graduate of the University of Windsor’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program, she has also offered private lessons to aspiring artists for more than 30 years. Catherine’s work transcends craft and hobby – it is a lifetime commitment fueled by passion and dedication.
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Open: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 9a.m. to 5p.m, please phone for appointment. Address: 128 Dyer Street, Belmont ON, N0L 1B0 Tel: 519-644-0893 Email: catherineacraig@hotmail.com Blog: http://catherinecraigart.blogspot.com/ Medium: Pottery, sculpture, spinning, weaving, painting
Located in the quaint, historic hamlet of Sparta, Ontario, Peter Robson Studios has drawn the attention of art lovers from across the region for more than 30 years. Passion for the studio and original art is a family affair that includes Peter’s wife Eleanor and son Steven, who proudly display Peter’s paintings, limited edition prints and sculptures at the gallery. Well known and highly respected, Peter Robson Studios has the capacity to customize an art program of any size for charities or businesses with existing prints or by special commission. A complete state-of-the-art custom framing centre is located on the premises.
Studio
Peter Robson Studios and Gallery Open: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment. Address: 46340 Main Street, Sparta ON, N0L 2H0 Telephone: 519-775-2522 Email: robsonsteve@rogers.com Website: www.entropic-art.com Medium: Paintings, sketches, sculptures, prints, custom framing
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Studio
Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio Opened in 1948 by Jimmie Clennell and Selma Caverly, Pinecroft is considered to be Canada’s oldest continuously operating pottery studio. Tucked away in a 54 acre pine forest, this thriving family-run establishment has produced fine quality earthenware and stoneware pottery for 63 years. Second generation studio potter Brenda (Caverly) Smith offers a wide range of functional pieces including complete dinner sets. High fired reduction ware is wheel thrown with some slab work. Classes and hands-on workshops are offered in fall and winter in the teaching studio. Pinecroft also features the work of Tony Clennell (MFA, RCA), who recently joined the studio as an associate potter. Tony is an adjunct professor at Sheridan College and has taught workshops in Canada, USA, Japan, China and Italy. For the full Pinecroft experience, visit the Green Frog Tea Room for lunch, relax at the massage hut and stay the night at Selma’s Cabin B&B. Open: Visit our website for our hours of operation. Studio generally open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Address: 8122 Rogers Road South, Aylmer West ON, N5H 2R4 Tel: 519-773-3435 Email: pinecroft@amteleom.net Website: www.pinecroft.ca Medium: Pottery, ceramics, paintings, prints
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Establishing an award-winning art gallery was not in Jennifer’s plans when she started her home-based decorating and custom window treatment business in 1997, but Jennifer M. Designs has become just that. Still offering her original services, her gallery in historic downtown St. Thomas is also a thriving creative space displaying a diverse collection of original artwork done by Jennifer and several other local artists. Featuring crisp white walls set against exposed brick and duct work, it is the perfect environment to relax and enjoy events throughout the year, including special exhibit evenings and the Resident Artist Program where visitors experience art in progress.
gallery
jennifer m. designs
Open: Tues, Wed., Fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.,Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon.,Thurs by appointment. Sunday closed. Address: 364 Talbot St., St. Thomas ON, N5P 1B6 Tel: 519-633-9806 Website: www.jennifermdesigns.ca E-mail: jennifer_364@yahoo.ca Medium: Paintings, jewellery, glass, sketches, photography, woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork
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Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing Travelling to Egypt at age 17 was life-changing for Kevin Morrell, owner of Minerva Art Gallery. It is the place where he got his first taste of classic art and developed a passion for gods and goddesses of ancient times, like the namesake of his gallery. An avid traveler, Kevin features works from international, Canadian and local artists, highlighting those from Elgin County. He tours the globe to meet artists, investigate their style and quality, and personally select each piece for the gallery. Minerva Art Gallery is also a one-stop shop for personal and corporate custom framing. Offering a comprehensive selection of frames and art, and the assistance of a dedicated design consultant, it can accommodate any style, budget or timeline. Open: Open year round 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. to Sat. Evenings by appointment. Address: 11078 Springwater Road North, Aylmer ON, N5H 2R6 Tel: 519-765-1616 Email: minerva@lweb.net Website: www.minerva-art.com Medium: Paintings, prints, custom framing
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Nestled in the heart of Port Stanley, one of Elgin County’s most scenic and exciting destinations, Portside Gallery is home to the works of 14 talented regional artists. For 15 years, this artist-managed cooperative has produced high-quality art ranging from realism to abstraction, using a variety of mediums including oil, watercolour, acrylic, ink, pastels and mixed media. Visitors and locals delight in the diverse and vibrant pieces that range from miniature to large in size. Open year-round, anytime is a great time to browse the Gallery and purchase a special treasure to take home.
gallery
portside gallery
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in spring, summer and fall, with some reduced days in January and March. Address: 187 ½ Main St. Port Stanley ON, N5L 1H6 Tel: 519-782-7066 Website: portside.cuttingpromotions.com Email: jerry@cuttingpromotions.com Medium: Paintings, jewellery, sketches, photography, prints, sculptures
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Crafters
London
Galleries Studios Other Arts Trail
Talbotville St. 2 Thomas Shedden Dutton 4
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Fingal
West Lorne 3
Wallacetown
Rodney
Port Stan
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Eagle New Glasgow
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Lake Erie
Elgin Arts Trail 2011 Members Crafters
Belmont 12
John Wise Line
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John St. South
New Sarum
Springwater Road
3
John St. North
Aylmer
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Richmond Straffordville
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Vienna 10 1
Sparta
nley
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Port Bruce
Sparta Country Candles
46361 Sparta Line
519-775-0054
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Little Red Mitten
86 Talbot Street
519-207-2880
The Arts & Cookery Bank
242 Graham Road
519-768-9986
Village Crier Gallery
194 Currie Road
519-762-2862
Portside Gallery
187 ½ Main Street
519-782-7066
Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing
11078 Springwater Road North
519-765-1616
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
301 Talbot Street
519-631-4040
Jennifer M. Designs
364 Talbot Street
519-633-9806
Shelley McVittie’s Gallery
48664 John Wise Line
519-773-5912
Peter Robson Studios and Gallery
46340 Main Street
519-775-2522
Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio
8122 Rogers Road South
519-773-3435
Clayworks Studio
128 Dyer Street
519-644-0893
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Lyons Springfield 6
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Port Burwell
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Galleries
Studios
Other Museum/Library Art Displays Elgin County Museum
450 Sunset Drive
519-631-1460
Port Stanley Library
302 Bridge Street
519-782-4241
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GAllery
Shelley McVittie’s Gallery Transport yourself back to a simpler time, feel the warm embrace of an open fire, marvel at the vibrant blossoms of a country garden, or watch your breath disappear in the crisp air of a wintry night. Shelley McVittie evokes these images of old fashioned country charm that are vividly reflected in her paintings. A professional painter since 1992, her unique yet classic works have steadily gained popularity across Canada and around the world. In addition to her paintings, Shelley McVittie’s Gallery also showcases the work of potter Lydia Harder, textile weaver Linda Elkins, and many fellow Ontario artisans whose attention to quality and detail are impressive and proudly Canadian. Open: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday by appointment or chance. Address: 48664 John Wise Line, Aylmer ON, N5H 2R4 Tel: 519-773-5912 Email: art@shelleymcvittie.com Website: www.shelleymcvittie.com Blog: www.shelleymcvittie.com/blog Medium: Paintings, pottery/ceramics/glass, woodcraft, prints, textiles
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In the centre of Elgin County lies the centerpiece of its visual arts community - The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC). Established in 1969, it is committed to promoting visual arts throughout the region and beyond by preserving an extensive permanent collection, and hosting 16 exhibitions annually featuring local, regional and international artists. Also an education-focused organization, STEPAC facilitates educational programs and endorses emerging artists. Among its many events, the annual Fall Art Auction in November provides art lovers with an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs while supporting STEPAC’s programs and the vibrant St. Thomas-Elgin arts community.
Open: Tues.-Wed, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thurs.-Fri.; noon to 4 p.m. Sat.; noon to 3 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
gallery
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art CentRE
Address: 301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas ON, N5P 1B5 Tel: 519-631-4040 Email: info@stepac.ca Website: www.stepac.ca Medium: Paintings, jewellery, pottery/ceramics/glass, sketches, photography, woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork
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The Arts & Cookery Bank The Arts & Cookery Bank, a regional cultural destination, is a story of courage and commitment – a venue worth visiting. The Bank uses photography as a historical visual record. Images from DuttonDunwich, Newbury, Southwest Middlesex and West Elgin, that span more than 200 years, are digitally displayed on multi touch-media kiosks. Hundreds of old and current photos tell a rapidly-changing story of rural southwestern Ontario. Visit this stunning venue – a restored 1914 Bank of Montreal and an 1883 timber frame barn – for a nostalgic, gripping, inspirational and authentic rural experience. Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. – Fri. Closed Mondays. Call for events on Saturdays and Sundays. Address: 242 Graham Road, West Lorne ON, N0L 2P0 Tel: 519-768-9986 Email: info@theartsandcookerybank.com Website: www.theartsandcookerybank.com Medium: Photography
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Jenny Phillips, owner of Village Crier Gallery, is best known as an artist who delights in recording the vanishing rural landscape of southwestern Ontario while capturing the essence and history of rural life. Her paintings are vibrant, dynamic, and illustrate a wide-range of country scenes from nature to architecture. Each piece at the Village Crier Gallery is part of a larger story that Jenny is happy to share with visitors. In addition to selling original art, the gallery also offers custom framing services, publishes fine art and books, is a dealer of custom tin ceilings and sells specialty stained glass lighting.
gallery
Village Crier Gallery
Open: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 6 days a week or anytime by appointment. Address: 194 Currie Road, Dutton ON, N0L 1J0 Tel: 519-762-2862 Email: jennyphillips@golden.net Website: http://villagecrierdutton.ca Medium: Paintings, prints, sketches, custom framing, photography
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crafter 15
Sparta Country Candles One of Elgin County’s best kept - and best smelling - secrets lies in an old general store built in 1838 in the historic village of Sparta. Since 1995, the Muscat family has been filling homes with their high-quality scented candles, and creating a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more. Sparta Country Candles contain as much as three times more scent than average, and are sold in many different sizes at unbeatable prices. Doors are open daily so stop by, pick up some candles and try a piece of homemade fudge. It only makes scents!
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Address: 46361 Sparta Line, Sparta ON, N0L 2H0 Tel: 519-775-0054 Email: info@spartacandles.com Website: www.spartacandles.com Medium: Candle and candle product manufacturing
For Joan Janes, opening Little Red Mitten in her hometown of St. Thomas brought to fruition a lifetime love of fibre arts. As a teenager, she worked at the local Parkspin mill, an opportunity that ignited her passion for the peacefulness of spinning at a wheel. Situated in one of St. Thomas’ most historic neighbourhoods, the spacious, 1842 building houses yarns from around the world. A variety of fibres are available at Little Red Mitten including; cottons, wools, alpaca, and silk. Fibre artists from beginner to enthusiast can take advantage of the best selection of knitting tools around. Take classes, join a knitting group, or try a new knitting pattern created by the owner herself. Look, touch, and be enticed. Little Red Mitten is a woolly inspiring place!
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon – Wed & Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs – Fri. Closed Sunday.
crafter
Little Red Mitten
Address: 86 Talbot Street, St. Thomas ON, N5P 1A5 Tel: 519-207-2880 Email: info@littleredmitten.ca Website: www.littleredmitten.ca Medium: Fibre arts
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WORKSHOPS Workshops at Elgin Arts Trail locations are great creative outlets. From photography and pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters offer numerous opportunities to discover your inner artist. For a complete list of our members workshops and events visit www.elginartstrail.ca.
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Workshop
Description
Date/Time
Location
Individual Knitting Instruction
Enjoy a variety of scheduled knitting classes from beginner to advanced. Call the shop (519-207-2880) or check our website, www.littleredmitten.ca – for the current schedule.
Anytime, by appointment
Little Red Mitten
Pottery/ Sculpture/ and more
Classes and workshops in pottery,sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving and spinning offered. Workshops can be arranged for up to 6 students.
Anytime, by appointment
Clayworks Studio
Pottery
Brenda Smith offers classes in pottery focusing on the wheel. Classes are held in the pottery studio on site and both evening and daytime sessions are offered.
Classes and hands-on workshops are offered in fall and winter.
Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio
Painting with your Inner Voice
Painting with your inner voice is focused on guiding participants to tell a story through their art while developing drawing and painting skills and a person style. These workshops are appropriate for all levels of experience, including beginners.
Registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
Smart Art Classes for Children
Discover the world of art making through exploration and experimentation with a variety of materials and organized activities. Basic skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture will be considered. Imagination, self-confidence and individual style are encouraged.
Registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
Digital Photo Classes
Take digital photo classes in a state-of-the-art digital photo lab and interactive photo classroom. Classes will be for all ages, so kids, tweens, teens, seniors and families are welcome.
Registration information and photo class schedules are available online at www.theartsandcookerybank.com
The Arts & Cookery Bank
Clayworks Studio Peter Robson Studios
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Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio
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Jennifer M. Designs
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Minerva Art Gallery Portside Gallery
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Shelley McVittie’s Gallery St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre The Arts & Cookery Bank Village Crier Gallery Sparta Country Candles Little Red Mitten
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Woodcraft
Textiles
Sketches
Scultpures
Prints
Pottery
Photography
Paintings
Metalwork
Glass
Jewellery
Fibre Arts
Custom Framing
Ceramics
Candles
At a glance
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www.elginartstrail.ca
Elgin Arts Trail Program Developed in partnership with: