La Tournée des 20 – art tour and studio visit

Myriam, La Factrie,
Dunham

Eastern Townships artists and artisans open their studios for
four weekends from September 19 to October 12
in Bedford, Stanbridge East, Dunham, Frelighsburg, St-Armand, Mystic and Pike River

Much can change in 20 years! If I think back to 1995, the first year of the Tournée des 20, Eastern Townships art studio tour, my art career as a painter was just beginning; my daughters were still teenagers; the trees around my small studio did not yet obscure our panoramic view, and the idea of people visiting me in the studio was unique and a bit scary. Fast forward 20 years, and I am still looking forward to welcoming visitors to my now expanded studio, to see not only paintings but weaving! Many of the artists, who – like me – began in 1995 to open their doors to the public, are still taking part in the Tournée des 20. Our work has evolved and changed, along with our lives. But what has not changed is the enthusiasm and passion with which we share our creations with the public. Over the 20 years of the Tournée’s existence, more than 120 artists, the majority of whom reside in the Brome Missisquoi region, have participated in this much loved cultural event.

Michael Laduke, stained glass, Stanbridge East

This anniversary year, the Tournée presents 25 artists and artisans, 7 of whom are new participants. Painters, sculptors, jewellers, glass makers and artists working in mosaic, paper, textiles and wood – will welcome you warmly into their studios so you can discover their artistic creations and working methods. For a glimpse of the individual talent of each artist, don’t miss the collective exhibition of the 2015 participants at the art centre in the picturesque village of Frelighsburg.

Sun Salutations / Tournesol sur poteau by Linda Hobley

As part of the Tournée this year, the town of Bedford, which is marking its 125th anniversary, will host a special exhibition at Place Excelsior. In this large former industrial space, 10 past participants of the Tournée will display their work. Every Sunday afternoon throughout the duration of the Tournée, 3 invited artists will demonstrate blown glass, and metamorphose metal into works of art. Place Excelsior is also the location of several artists’ studios participating in the Tournée des 20 circuit.

Meet passionate creators and admire their work, help the participating artists and artisans to celebrate a milestone 20 years, all while enjoying the beauty that this area of the Eastern Townships has to offer. What a delightful and relaxing way to spend a day or a weekend in the countryside, an hour’s drive from Montreal.

The studios will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 6pm. Make it a date!