Arden Artisans Welcome All to Open Studio Event

Sandra Reed | Aug 23, 2023

If you didn't make it to the Arden Artisans Open Studio Event last weekend, here's what you missed:

One of a kind oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolors, (landscapes and portraits), handcrafted jewelry, thrown and hand built pottery, ironwork, giftware, garden art dinosaurs crafted from tree branches, shocked walnut bowls, batik landscape wall art and even impressionistic talking houses. 

More importantly, you missed a chance to meet and chat with several interesting, multi-talented retirees. People came from all around (including Kitchener and Niagara Falls) to visit the four home galleries which are all in close proximity of each other. 

The lifestyle of these artisans, gives a special meaning to the art of working from home. Whether they are creating a new masterpiece in their in-home studios or exhibiting their paintings on their back lawn, overlooking the lake, they certainly are "living the dream." 

"I love my work," says Judith. "My home gallery is open by chance or by appointment, so I get to meet lots of people."

The hardest thing, according to artists, John and Gordon, is parting with their paintings. "We fall in love with them ourselves," laughed Gordon. "Setting prices is difficult too," added John, "because some paintings take much longer than others and we're not paid by the hour." Needless to say, it's hard to put a price on art.

The artisans participating in this event, all long time Arden residents, have a variety of career backgrounds - automotive teacher, graphic artist, landscape architect, copy editor etc. They also have many other talents. (for example, John is a musician, singer and songwriter.) But they all have one thing in common - a strong sense of community.

A huge thank you goes out to Judith Versavel of Gallery on the Bay, Joanne Pickett of Arden Pottery, Sarah Hale of Arden Batik, Gordon Wright Fine Art and John DuChene, along with their team of guest artists.

Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts to all of us.