Oxford Studio Tour this weekend
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In a sense, Oxford’s annual studio tour does explore an altered question of deep philosophy: ‘If an artist paints in the forest and no one sees their work, did their brush leave a mark?’
In other words, a central point of artistic creation is sharing it with others.
“We don’t get very far if we are just painting for ourselves,” said Otterville artist and tour organizer Sue Goossens. “It’s much more enjoyable when people come out and say – ‘Oh, I love that!’”
The 7th Annual Oxford Studio Tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days, featuring 40 artists showing their work in 20 different locations.
“We do have an amazing group,” said Goossens. “All the way from New Dundee to Thamesford to Otterville and Tillsonburg – and places in between.”
The artists will be exhibiting a wide variety of artistic media including painting, drawings and mixed media collage, photography, graphite, jewellery, metalwork, stoneware, silk-screening, pottery and fibre arts.
The tour is free of charge, and participants are identifiable at close range by distinctive red signs, as well as in a glossy full-colour brochure available at Tillsonburg’s Station Arts Centre (519-842-6151) or online at www.oxfordstudiotour.ca.
The brochure includes brief descriptions of participating artists as well as participating sponsors, some of whom are suggested dining locations.
While Oxford’s artistic community is a diverse one, with uniquely individual visions, Goossens said there is consistency in the quality throughout, illustrating a long-term dedication to their craft.
“It’s an enjoyable way to spend two days,” she concluded. “Come out and share it with us.”