Kings County tradition
Published Saturday June 13th, 2009
The Kings County Studio Tour, now in its ninth year, offers the public a rare opportunity to peer inside the workings of artists in our region
Kings County is beautiful in any season, but spring is especially magical. Rolling pastures of green and sparking blue river waters greet the eye while floral tones emanate.
In this setting, Kings County artisans toil daily. Andrew Giffin, a painter and sculptor in Roachville, says "everything is in bloom." Nestled by the river, his location is perfect inspiration for his acrylic fly-fishing scenes.
The Kings County Studio Tour invites the public to intimately peer into the artists' world today and Sunday. Fourteen studios from Quispamsis to Sussex have opened the doors of workspaces where public footsteps are rarely heard.
In its ninth year, the Kings County Studio Tour is a spring tradition, usually happening the first weekend in June, when people have yet to flee for vacations, yet are anxious to explore, says Giffin.
Among the artisans featured are Angela Belyea, textile artist specializing in plant fibres; Brent Rourke, whose Shaker boxes are purchased around the globe; potter Carol Taylor, known for her wine cups of clay; award-winning photographer James Wilson; and fibre artist Elizabeth Miller, who uses mohair, silk and dog hairs in her creations.
Visitors have an opportunity to see new works and ask questions about technique, materials and inspiration.
Artisans, too, enjoy the personal interaction.
"It's wonderful to talk to those who are enamoured enough to put their art in their homes," Giffin says.
People of all ages are encouraged to attend. In fact, Giffen, would like to see lots of children come to his studio.
"It shows them that art is not just made by dead people," he says, with a laugh.
He recalls his first visit to an artist's studio as a youngster.
"I remember thinking, 'this is really cool.' It was a revelation," he says.
"To those seeing the final product, it's like magic," he says. "This tour shows people where that work comes from."
It demonstrates that art is a viable career choice.
"We're examples of this."
In addition to exploring studios, folks are encouraged to enjoy other rural offerings of Kings County - its welcoming shops, the large outdoor murals in Sussex and quaint restaurants and coffee shops.
The studio tour runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Signage displaying the distinctive Kings County Studio Tour logo - a sunshine with a winding path through its centre - will be clearly posted on roads throughout the region. Detailed maps can be picked up at various locations and can be downloaded from www.studiotour-nb.com.
- Angie Kippers, Telegraph-Journal
1. Blue Heron Ridge Studio
Artistry in stained glass by Sharyn Gulliver.
185 Upper Golden Grove Rd., 847-1186.
2. Carol Taylor
Clay wine cups, assorted pottery.
10 McLaughlin Dr., Quispamsis, 847-8754.
3. Saponetta Divino
Goats' milk soaps, loose leaf teas, candles.
15 Teed Rd., 763-2258.
4. Elizabeth Miller
Fibre arts using mohair, alpaca, silk, dog hair.
7 Teed Rd., 763-2258.
5. Judith Baxter
Art at Carter House Tea Room in Kingston.
763-2561.
6. James Wilson
Landscape, portrait photography
358 Norton Shore Rd., 832-7019.
7. Hooper Studios
Sculpture, paintings, jewelry, photography,
drawings, textiles. Various artists.
177 Kennebecasis River Rd., 650-3333.
8. Helga Lobb
Watercolour, acrylics, oils.
198 Kennebecasis River Rd., 832-3128.
9. Eleanor Jenkins
Oil painting, leather works.
63 Hilltop Dr., Hampton, 832-7693
10. Elizabeth Cameron
Sketches, acrylics, coloured pencil.
63 Hilltop Dr., Hampton, 832-5034
11. Brent Rourke
Shaker boxes, furniture, wooden gift items.
569 Route 121, 832-3716.
12. Angela Belyea
Textile arts specializing in plant fibres.
323 Parleeville Rd., 839-2519.
13. Andrew Giffin
Bold portraits, river scenes, digital arts.
15 Oak Manor Dr., Roachville, 433-2513
14. Mercer-Whitney Art
Acrylics, watercolour, pastels, printmaking.
43 Back Rd. 433-5062, 433-5523.
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