The Perth Autumn Studio Tour - 31 Years of Art & Tradition

The Perth Autumn Studio Tour - 31 Years of Art & Tradition

In 1968, a group of free-spirited visionaries moved onto what had once been the Brennan farm, west of Perth, and created the vibrant, alternative community of Brooke Valley. Their dream of a sustainable and cooperative lifestyle, together with the natural beauty of the area, soon drew others, many of whom, not surprisingly, were
craftspeople.

In 1993, twenty-five years after the farm was first settled, a collection of local artisans established the first ?Perth Autumn Studio Tour? and laid the foundation for one of the area’s finest and best-attended studio tours. We are a non-profit, artist-run tour, whose core values have remained unchanged since those beginning days. We wish to connect people to the artists living among us, spur conversations, and make human connections
through diverse artistic mediums.

Come experience the high-calibre, original art and traditional craft that will be on display. This is an opportunity for our artisans to shine, share their love for their craft, and invite visitors to view, discuss, and purchase directly, something from their unique collections.

Our tour is known for its wide array of media and this year is no exception. This year’s roster will feature 23 artists at 4 stops.

At Stop #1 (Maberly Hall) you will find paintings by Gary Barr, Gabbi Maria and Brenda Schamehorn; wool clothing and home fashions by Beth Fisher (Stone Spindle Farm); etchings from Jo Manning’s estate; wooden furniture and spoons by Nick Moore; handwoven clothing and accessories by Heather Sherratt; and metal
embossing by Jill Spear.

At Stop #2 (Catherine Orfald Studio) you will find paintings by Catherine Orfald and Heather Priestley; pottery by Rita Redner; chocolate made by Ludwig Ratzinger (Fine Chocolate by Ludwig); incense and soap by emerging artist Jennifer Purdon Kaspardlov; portraits by emerging artist Mallory McDougall; and Argentium silver jewellery by Veronica Moore.

At Stop # 3 (Wouter van der Molen Studio) you will find gold and silver jewellery, and gemstones by Wouter van der Molen; stained glass by Elizabeth Sampson and photo-metal artwork by Tania Marsh.

At Stop #4 (The Cordwood Folk School) you will find fresh and preserved homestead offerings by Zoë Lianga; leatherwork by Willa Murray; sheepskins and accessories by Danielle Prophet (The Natural Tannery); stoneware ceramics by Hyla Nemy (Root Cellar Studios); and hand-dyed art and clothing by Rebecca Hodgins (Cosmic Ties).

Brooke Valley School’s Harvest Lunch. Do not miss the chance to take a break at Brooke Valley School? where a ?home-cooked lunch? will be offered between 11:30am and 3:30pm. Scrumptious, seasonal food, both sweet and savoury, are lovingly prepared and served by the parents, students, and friends of BVS. A delicious assortment of items with attention to special dietary needs will also be available. The Harvest Lunch is one of the main annual fundraisers for this privately run, parent cooperative, two-room schoolhouse.

The meandering roads through the Brooke Valley countryside between studios are lovely in the autumn, as the changing leaves are at their peak. Experiencing the rolling hills, awash in red, orange, and gold is a sight to behold. We suggest devoting at least one entire day, if not two. Every year, visitors say that they wished they had planned for more time at each studio.

Stop to take in each of the artists’ work and a lunch at the school, and chances are you’ll leave inspired, excited, and invigorated by a connection you’ve made with an artist, and by the charm of this beautiful and beguiling place.

The Perth Autumn Studio Tour? will be held on Saturday ?October 12 & Sunday October 13, from 10am to 5pm each day?. This is on Thanksgiving weekend. You can find us ?@perthstudiotour ?on ?Instagram? and ?Facebook? to follow along and see each of our artists featured as we lead up to the big event. You can also find more information and download your Tour Map at www.perthstudiotour.com.
We hope to see you on the Tour!