Bayview Art Tour on video
Having grown up in Leaside watching my late mom, Lenore McGovern, paint amazing portraits, I come by my appreciation of art naturally. When the editors asked me if I would like to write about a group of local artists showing their wares on the 13th annual Bayview Art Tour, I eagerly accepted the assignment.
The art tour and sale began as the brainchild of award-winning artist Frances Craig. This year’s tour, on the weekend of Oct. 5 and 6, featured 24 local artists at 11 venues right in our own backyard.
Looking at the colourful and well designed brochure and map, it was hard to decide where to begin. After reading a little about who was featured at each venue, I selected several artists representing various art genres and then set out in my trusty Cavalier, packed with my camera gear for a video shoot as well.
My first stop was on Southvale Drive in Leaside, at the home studio of 84-year-old John Smith, who came to Canada in 1952 from Leicester England. Smith, who started painting as a young boy, made his living in the world of advertising until he decided to quit the “rat race” and turn his hobby into a full time passion. He started “The Smithy”, a gallery, school and studio all in one location, and has never looked back.
There is perhaps no better way to appreciate artists’ work than when you are in their studio sipping coffee and listening to them explain what you are seeing. There were a few stops where the smell of fresh-baked cookies and muffins added a certain nuance to the visit that you just don’t get at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
I came upon a lively group of women artists at Venue C, on Balliol St.
Just inside the door I was greeted by the beautiful and soothing voice of Phyllis Broom-Walker, an enameller and storyteller. Phyllis creates gorgeous enamel on copper art and loves to talk about the origins of enamelling and how different parts of the world added to or developed the art form.
Phyllis shared this stop on the tour with Susan L. Brown and Joan McGivney, both talented mixed-media artists, teachers and friends who met at university. Joan also works with oil.
I have always wondered what it would be like in the home of a married artist couple.
Whose art gets to hang over the mantel?
[attach]7092[/attach]That question was about to be answered as my Cavalier pulled up to the home studio of Margaret Cresswell and David Bagley. This easy-going couple appreciate and value each other’s opinion on their work. And the walls are equally adorned with David’s stained glass and drawings, and Margaret’s murals and paintings.
Handmade glass-art jewellery has always intrigued me so I made a point of stopping by Venue K on Brendan Road to see Susan Stortini. Susan’s gorgeous work was on display right next door to award-winning women’s clothing designer Linda Lundstrom. Also at this stop I saw the beautiful porcelain work of Andrea Sinclair.
The Bayview Art Tour and Sale turned out to be a great way to appreciate and support local artists, meet my neighbours and enjoy a beautiful October weekend right in our own neighbourhood.
More information on the tour can be found at [url=http://www.bayviewarttourandsale.com.]www.bayviewarttourandsale.com[/url].