WEST CARLETON – The fall colours are here and with it comes the Red Trillium Studio Tour this coming weekend.

The Tour takes place over the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27 and showcases the studios of some of West Carleton’s most talented artists and fine craftspeople. Take a scenic countryside tour around Carp, Dunrobin and Kinburn, where you will be welcomed at studios featuring paintings, jewellery, pottery, glasswork, basketry, handweaving, designer clothing, and fine art textiles, as well as a unique local winery, KIN Vineyards.

“West Carleton is home to many extremely talented artists and fine crafts people, from Teresa Wingar, who makes modern stoneware pottery decorated in the old tradition of slip-trailing, and Michael Peterson who puts his own interpretation on very traditional basket designs, to Chris Van Zanten with his very  unusual and original blown glass pieces,” Pine Ridge Studio’s Lis Allison told West Carleton Online last Friday (Oct. 18). “One point of interest is that some of the craftspeople who began with
the tour in the late 1990s are now mature artists, doing some of their best work. Teresa and Chris are certainly in that category.”

The tour artists will be on hand at each step to discuss their work and tell you about their inspiration.

One of the stops on the Tour is St. Mary’s Church, where, in addition to meeting several artists in one spot, you will be able to enjoy a light lunch prepared by the church’s women’s group. The Heart and Soul Café nearby also welcomes visitors with great breakfast and lunch options.

Allison is a studio potter in Kinburn.

“Pine Ridge Studio has been making stoneware pottery, mainly tableware, for nearly 30 years,” she said. “The last 20 have been at a studio in the woods called Pine Ridge and it shows in the work. My designs are inspired by my love of the woods and the wild garden, particularly the birds and the plants. Surrounded by old-growth White Pines and buzzing bumble bees, I happily make bowls, mugs, plates and many other items. I have had a booth at the Carp Farmers’ Market for 29 years, and the studio is open by appointment.”

Allison says the tour is well established after more than 20 years of spring and fall shows. The spring show often includes a garden tour and the fall tour is just in time for tourist to take in the beautiful fall colours on display in rural Ottawa.

“The Red Trillium Studio Tour is one of the longest-running tours in the area,” Allison said. “It has, over the years, brought many wonderful artists and fine crafts people to our visitors’ attention. In addition to visiting working studios, tour goers will meet guests, for example, Heather Sherratt with her all-natural fibre weaving, and have a chance to tour a local Winery. KIN Vineyards is on the tour again and has shown itself to be a popular stop. There are also local restaurants, so people can put together a very enjoyable day. And just in time for Christmas gift giving.”

Visit www.redtrilliumst.com to download a brochure and map, and see more information about the artists and craftspeople on the tour.