Discovery Guide

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Indexindex 1

about Us 2

studios

clayworks studio 3

concreations 4

Peter robson studios and Gallery 5

Pinecroft ceramic art studio 6

winter wheat 7

Galleries

art emporium Gallery 8

Minerva art Gallery & custom Framing 9

Portside Gallery 10

shelley McVittie’s Gallery 11

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre 12

the arts & cookery Bank 13

Village crier Gallery 14

crafters

little red Mitten 15

anything Used & sparta country candles 16

workshops 17

at a Glance 18

elgin arts trail Map centre

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the county of elgin, in partnership with the elgin Business

resource centre and st. thomas-elgin Public art centre, invites

tourists and the local community to experience the finest

visual arts attractions the region has to offer on the elgin

arts trail. launched in the fall of 2011, the trail provides

comprehensive resources to explore 14 studios and galleries

exhibiting diverse collections of artwork. Prepare yourself

for an imaginative and unforgettable journey of original

paintings, pottery, fibre art, candles and more.

some say that elgin county- st. thomas is a work

of art itself, with its sprawling countryside, historic

city, and towns and villages that charm thousands

of tourists annually. the county’s natural

beauty and traditional character make it easy

to understand how such a vibrant creative

arts community developed over the years.

artistic inspiration is all around.

start planning your trip today.

Discover your inner artist,

explore the elgin arts trail.

www.elginartstrail.ca

1-877-GO ELGIN, x168

About us

www.elgincfdc.ca

elgin arts trail Program Developed in partnership with:

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ClAyworks studIoin elgin county’s northeast is the small, scenic town of Belmont, home to

catherine craig’s rustic working studio filled with her original clay artwork,

sketches and sculptures. a professional visual artist with more than 40

years experience, she values community empowerment and storytelling

- the hallmarks of her work. catherine is a partner in the art Gallery of

lambeth and has exhibited in many galleries across southern Ontario in

both group and solo exhibitions. a graduate of the University of windsor’s

Bachelor of Fine arts program, she has also offered private lessons to

aspiring artists for more than 30 years. catherine’s work transcends craft

and hobby – it is a lifetime commitment fueled by passion and dedication.

Medium: Pottery, sculptures, sketches, spinning, weaving, paintings

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Please phone for appointment, or visit by chance.

128 Dyer Street, Belmont ON, N0L 1B0

Blog: http://catherinecraigart.blogspot.com/ (519) 644-0893

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Home to hidden garden treasures, concreations, is a concrete statuary,

located just outside of st. thomas. the new rustic barn store features

unique, handmade outdoor ornaments, with statues varying from

functional to fun. andy DeVries, a self-taught craftsperson, is the creative

mind behind each artistic piece, making everything himself. see for

yourself in andy’s working studio how he casts garden ornaments in

concrete and finishes each statue with stains and varnish to achieve

an antique, weathered look. the delightful garden ornaments include

animals, stepping stones, and masks that are sure to make your garden or

patio come alive with creativity.

Medium: sculptures

March to December

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm

Monday & Sunday Closed or by appointment

7579 Yarmouth Centre Rd, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3S9

www.concreations.ca (519) 631-8192

ConCreAtIons

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located in the quaint, historic hamlet of sparta, Ontario, Peter robson

studios has drawn the attention of art lovers from across the region for

more than 30 years. Passion for the studio and original art is a family

affair that includes Peter’s wife eleanor and son steven, who proudly

display Peter’s paintings, limited edition prints and sculptures at the

gallery. well known and highly respected, Peter robson studios has

the capacity to customize an art program of any size for charities or

businesses with existing prints or by special commission. a complete

state-of-the-art custom framing centre is located on the premises.

Medium: Paintings, sketches, sculptures, prints, custom framing

Weekdays 10am - 4:30pm

Saturday 11am - 5pm

Sunday 12pm - 5pm or by appointment

46340 Main Street, Sparta ON, N0L 2H0

www.entropic-art.com (519) 775-2522

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Peter robson studIos And GAlleryA3

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Opened in 1948 by Jimmie clennell and selma caverly,

Pinecroft is considered to be canada’s oldest continuously

operating pottery studio. tucked away in a 54 acre pine

forest, this thriving family-run establishment has produced

fine quality earthenware and stoneware pottery for 64 years.

second generation studio potter Brenda (caverly) smith

offers a wide range of functional pieces including complete

dinner sets. High fired reduction ware is wheel thrown with

some slab work. classes and hands-on workshops are

offered in fall and winter in the teaching studio.

Pinecroft also features the work of tony clennell (MFa, rca),

who recently joined the studio as an associate potter. tony

is an adjunct professor at sheridan college and has taught

workshops in canada, Usa, Japan, china and italy.

For the full Pinecroft experience, visit the Green Frog tea

room for lunch, relax at the massage hut and stay the night

at selma’s cabin B&B.

Medium: Pottery, ceramics, paintings, prints

Visit our website for our hours of operation.

Studio generally open daily 9am to 4pm

8122 Rogers Road South, Aylmer West ON, N5H 2R4

www.pinecroft.ca (519) 773-3435

PIneCroft CerAMIC Art studIo

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winter wheat is an enchanting place that celebrates all who take

pleasure in expressing what’s in their hearts. Be charmed by the

whimsical folk art paintings, sculptures and beautiful gardens

created by artist, lucy Ogletree, alongside her husband Mike

roberts.

lucy is a self taught canadian folk artist whose paintings style

depicts the days gone by with an added touch of whimsy. the

country store offers pockets of delight and delicious expressions of

imagination, with displays of lucy’s artwork and unique gift items

from metal garden art to handcrafted wooden birdhouses. winter

wheat is a wonderful destination to relax and enjoy the company of

friends and tranquility of nature.

Mike and lucy invite you to visit their beautiful gardens, and to be

inspired by the creativity and vitality of folk art.

Medium: Paintings, woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork

Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

Monday Closed

Open Holiday Mondays

5277 Quaker Road, Sparta, ON, N0L 2H0

www.winter-wheat.com (519) 775-2618

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a popular destination for art enthusiasts, Port stanley is now

home to the art emporium, Boathouse Gallery and Gift Boutique.

Discover the talents of local and regional artists in the large,

open, and well-lit gallery featuring the eclectic pieces of over 30

regional artists working in many media spanning from paintings

to sculptures, photography, pottery, textiles, and more. Operated

in partnership by five local artists: robin Baratta, sandra england,

robert reid, rose Klein, and June-anne reid, the art emporium

demonstrates their passion for art and the desire to share it with

others.

while at the art Gallery explore the Gift Boutique, offering a

wide assortment of handcrafted items, made by artisans in the

community. the handcrafted goods are a treasure trove of wood

turning, hand painted silks, one of a kind aprons, jewellery and

artist cards to name but a few. Visitors and art enthusiasts alike

are sure to find a unique memento or special gift.

Medium: Paintings, Jewellery, Candles, Photography, sketches,

woodcraft, sculptures, Prints, Metalwork, Pottery, Ceramics,

Glass, textiles, Mosaic, stained Glass

Summer Hours: April to December

Thursday - Monday 11am - 5pm

Winter Hours: January to March

Friday to Monday 11am - 5pm

177 Main Street, Port Stanley ON, N5L 1H6

www.artemporium.ca (226) 658-1888

Art eMPorIuM GAllery

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travelling to egypt at age 17 was life-changing for Kevin Morrell,

owner of Minerva art Gallery. it is the place where he got his first

taste of classic art and developed a passion for gods and goddesses

of ancient times, like the namesake of his gallery. an avid traveler,

Kevin features works from international, canadian and local artists,

highlighting those from elgin county. He tours the globe to meet

artists, investigate their style and quality, and personally select each

piece for the gallery.

Minerva art Gallery is also a one-stop shop for personal and

corporate custom framing. Offering a comprehensive selection of

frames and art, and the assistance of a dedicated design consultant,

it can accommodate any style, budget or timeline.

Medium: Paintings, prints, custom framing

Open year round

Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

Evenings by appointment.

11078 Springwater Road North, Aylmer ON, N5H 2R6

www.minerva-art.com (519) 765-1616

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MInervA Art GAllery & CustoM frAMInGA7

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A8 PortsIde GAllerynestled in the heart of Port stanley, one of elgin

county’s most scenic and exciting destinations,

Portside Gallery is home to the works of 14 talented

regional artists. For 16 years, this artist-managed co-

operative has produced high-quality art ranging from

realism to abstraction, using a variety of mediums

including oil, watercolour, acrylic, ink, pastels and

mixed media. Visitors and locals delight in the diverse

and vibrant pieces that range from miniature to large

in size. Open year-round, anytime is a great time to

browse the Gallery and purchase a special treasure to

take home. Medium: Paintings, jewellery, sketches, photography,

prints, sculptures

Monday - Sunday 11am - 5pm

in spring, summer and fall, with some reduced

days in January and March

187 ½ Main St Port Stanley ON, N5L 1H6

portside.cuttingpromotions.com (519) 782-7066

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transport yourself back to a simpler time, feel the warm

embrace of an open fire, marvel at the vibrant blossoms

of a country garden, or watch your breath disappear in the

crisp air of a wintry night. shelley McVittie evokes and vividly

reflects these images of old fashioned country charm in her

paintings. a professional painter since 1992, her unique yet

classic works have steadily gained popularity across canada

and around the world. in addition to her paintings, shelley

McVittie’s Gallery also showcases the work of potter lydia

Harder, textile weaver linda elkins, and many fellow Ontario

artisans whose attention to quality and detail are impressive

and proudly canadian.

Medium: Paintings, pottery, ceramics, glass, woodcraft,

prints, textiles

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4:30pm

Sunday by appointment or chance

48664 John Wise Line, Aylmer ON, N5H 2R4

www.shelleymcvittie.com (519) 773-5912

sHelley MCvIttIe’s GAllery

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in the centre of elgin county lies the centerpiece of its visual arts

community - the st. thomas-elgin Public art centre (stePac).

established in 1969, it is committed to promoting visual arts

throughout the region and beyond by preserving an extensive

permanent collection and hosting 16 exhibitions annually featuring

local, regional and international artists. also an education-focused

organization, stePac facilitates educational programs and

endorses emerging artists. among its many events, the annual Fall

art auction in november provides art lovers with an opportunity to

purchase unique souvenirs while supporting stePac’s programs

and the vibrant st. thomas-elgin arts community.

Medium: Paintings, jewellery, pottery, ceramics, glass, sketches,

photography, woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork

Tuesday - Wednesday 10am - 9pm

Thursday - Friday 12pm - 4pm

Saturday 12pm - 3pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm

301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas ON, N5P 1B5

www.stepac.ca (519) 631-4040

st. tHoMAs-elGIn PublIC Art Centre

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tHe Arts & Cookery bAnkthe arts & cookery Bank, a regional cultural destination,

is a story of courage and commitment – a venue worth

visiting. the Bank uses photography as a historical

visual record. images from Dutton-Dunwich, newbury,

southwest Middlesex and west elgin, which span more

than 200 years, are digitally displayed on multi-touch

media kiosks. Hundreds of old and current photos tell

a rapidly-changing story of rural southwestern Ontario.

Visit this stunning venue – a restored 1914

Bank of Montreal and an 1883 timber frame barn – for

a nostalgic, gripping, inspirational and authentic rural

experience.

Medium: Photography

Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm

Monday Closed

Call for events on Saturdays and Sundays.

242 Graham Road, West Lorne ON, N0L 2P0

www.theartsandcookerybank.com (519)768-9986

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A12 vIllAGe CrIer GAlleryJenny Phillips, owner of Village crier Gallery, is best

known as an artist who delights in recording the

vanishing rural landscape of southwestern Ontario

while capturing the essence and history of rural life.

Her paintings are vibrant, dynamic, and illustrate

a wide-range of country scenes from nature to

architecture. each piece at the Village crier Gallery

is part of a larger story that Jenny is happy to share

with visitors. in addition to selling original art,

the gallery also offers custom framing services,

publishes fine art and books, is a dealer of custom

tin ceilings and sells specialty stained glass lighting.

Medium: Paintings, prints, sketches, custom

framing, photography

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5:30pm

or anytime by appointment.

194 Currie Road, Dutton ON, N0L 1J0

http://villagecrierdutton.ca (519) 762-2862

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For Joan Janes, opening little red Mitten in her hometown of st. thomas

brought to fruition a lifetime love of fibre arts. as a teenager, she worked

at the local Parkspin mill, an opportunity that ignited her passion for the

peacefulness of spinning at a wheel. situated in one of st. thomas’ most

historic neighbourhoods, the spacious, 1842 building houses yarns from

around the world. a variety of fibres are available at little red Mitten

including: cottons, wools, alpaca, and silk. Fibre artists from beginner

to enthusiast can take advantage of the best selection of knitting tools

around. take classes, join a knitting group, or try a new knitting pattern

created by the owner herself. look, touch, and be enticed. little red

Mitten is a woolly inspiring place!

Medium: fibre arts

Monday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm

Thursday - Friday 10am - 8pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm

Sunday Closed

86 Talbot Street, St. Thomas ON, N5P 1A5

www.littleredmitten.ca (519) 207-2880

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lIttle red MIttenA13

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A14AnytHInG used And sPArtA Country CAndlesOne of elgin county’s best kept - and best smelling - secrets lies in an old

general store built in 1838 in the historic village of sparta. since 1995,

the Muscat family has been filling homes with their high-quality scented

candles, and creating a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for

more. sparta country candles contain as much as three times more

scent than average, and are sold in many different sizes at unbeatable

prices. Doors are open daily so stop by, pick up some candles and try a

piece of homemade fudge. it only makes scents!

Medium: Candle and candle product manufacturing

Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

Closed Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

46361 Sparta Line, Sparta ON, N0L 2H0

www.spartacandles.com (519) 775-0054

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workshops at elgin arts trail locations are great creative outlets. From photography and pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters offer numerous

opportunities to discover your inner artist. For a complete list of our members workshops and events visit www.elginartstrail.ca.

worksHoPs

workshop description date/time location

Individual knitting Instruction

enjoy a variety of scheduled knitting classes from beginner to advanced. call the shop (519-207-2880) or check our website, www.littleredmitten.ca – for the current schedule.

anytime, by appointment little red Mitten

Pottery/sculpture/ and more

classes and workshops in pottery,sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving and spinning offered. workshops can be arranged for up to 6 students.

anytime, by appointment clayworks studio

Pottery Brenda smith offers classes in pottery focusing on the wheel. classes are held in the pottery studio on site and both evening and daytime sessions are offered.

classes and hands-on workshops are offered in fall and winter.

Pinecroft ceramic art studio

Painting with your Inner voice

Painting with your inner voice is focused on guiding participants to tell a story through their art while developing drawing and painting skills and a person style. these workshops are appropriate for all levels of experience, including beginners.

registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre

smart Art Classes for Children

Discover the world of art making through exploration and experimentation with a variety of materials and organized activities. Basic skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture will be considered. imagination, self-confidence and individual style are encouraged.

registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre

digital Photo Classes

take digital photo classes in a state-of-the-art digital photo lab and interactive photo classroom. classes will be for all ages, so kids, tweens, teens, seniors and families are welcome.

registration information and photo class schedules are available online at www.theartsandcookerybank.com

the arts & cookery Bank

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At A GlAnCe

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clayworks studio • • • • • •concreations •Peter robson studios and Gallery • • • • •Pinecroft ceramic art studio • • • •winter wheat • • • • •art emporium Gallery • • • • • • • • • • • • • •Minerva art Gallery & custom Framing • • •Portside Gallery • • • • • •shelley McVittie’s Gallery • • • • • • •st. thomas-elgin Public art centre • • • • • • • • • • •the arts & cookery Bank •Village crier Gallery • • • • •little red Mitten •anything Used & sparta country candles •

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Studios

Clayworks Studio

Concreations

Peter Robson Studios and Gallery

Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio

Winter Wheat

Galleries

Art Emporium Gallery

Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing

Portside Gallery

Shelley McVittie’s Gallery

St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre

The Arts & Cookery Bank

Village Crier Gallery

Crafters

Little Red Mitten

Anything Used & Sparta Country Candles

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Currie Rd

John St. N

orthJohn S

t. South

Richmond

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

Springfield

Richmond

Springfield

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

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Suggested Travel Route

Wineries & Breweries

Quai Du Vin

Railway City Brewing Company

Rush Creek Wines Restaurants & Sweets

Green Frog Tea Room at Pinecroft

Harbourtown Fudge

Kettle Creek Inn

Killer Desserts & Café

Mad Hatters Tea Room

Ruby’s Cookhouse

Windjammer Inn Markets

Empire Valley Farm Market

Farmgate Market

Horton Farmers’ Market

Howe Family Farm Market Agri-tourism

Arts & Cookery Bank

Clovermead Bees & Honey

Great Lakes Farms

Heritage Line Herbs

Lavender Sense

Steed and Company Lavender

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Studios

Clayworks Studio

Concreations

Peter Robson Studios and Gallery

Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio

Winter Wheat

Galleries

Art Emporium Gallery

Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing

Portside Gallery

Shelley McVittie’s Gallery

St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre

The Arts & Cookery Bank

Village Crier Gallery

Crafters

Little Red Mitten

Anything Used & Sparta Country Candles

A1

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A5

A6

A7

A8

A9

A10

A11

A12

A13

A14

Currie Rd

John St. N

orthJohn S

t. South

Richmond

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

Springfield

Richmond

Springfield

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

S1A14

A5S3

A11

S13

S14

A1

A2

S16

S17

S18

S20

S2A13

S12

A4

S10

A9

S7

A7

S6S5A8

A6

S8A10

S9

S4

A12

S15

S11S19

A3

Suggested Travel Route

Wineries & Breweries

Quai Du Vin

Railway City Brewing Company

Rush Creek Wines Restaurants & Sweets

Green Frog Tea Room at Pinecroft

Harbourtown Fudge

Kettle Creek Inn

Killer Desserts & Café

Mad Hatters Tea Room

Ruby’s Cookhouse

Windjammer Inn Markets

Empire Valley Farm Market

Farmgate Market

Horton Farmers’ Market

Howe Family Farm Market Agri-tourism

Arts & Cookery Bank

Clovermead Bees & Honey

Great Lakes Farms

Heritage Line Herbs

Lavender Sense

Steed and Company Lavender

S1

S2

S3

S4

S5

S6

S7

S8

S9

S10

S11

S12

S13

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