Coldwater and Area Studio Tour 2023

In 2002, the first Coldwater and Area Studio Tour took place. The tour was launched with a simple yellow brochure which featured the iconic rooster perched on a weather vane with the message “Follow the yellow weather vane signs to see incredible works of art.” Seventeen artists and crafts people were the pioneers of this wonderful tour which still exists today. One of the original artists, Ann Hallett, stated, “The idea was to get our work out there for people to see.”

Over the years this tour has become a signature art event for the area, welcoming visitors to the village of Coldwater and the surrounding area on the last weekend in June. Some artists made Coldwater their home because of the vibrant art culture of the area and have enjoyed meeting all the people the tour brings to the area.  Cheryl and John Krismer, a silversmith and guitar maker, moved to Coldwater in 2017 partially because of the creative community that has taken root in the area.

The Coldwater Studio Tour returns in 2023 with a full complement of 32 artists. This year, there are seven destinations in the area surrounding Coldwater, Ontario.  All locations are within 15 km of Coldwater to make it an easy and enjoyable outing.

The tour takes place from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. Come and visit the artists in their home studios, or at shared locations such as the Coldwater Legion, Canadiana Heritage Museum, Coldwater Mill, and Wildflower Farms. This year there are ten new artists being welcomed to the tour for the first time.

The artists represent a range of media, with many of them enjoying success nationally and internationally. In addition to fine artists who work in oil, watercolour and acrylic, there are creative photographers with a keen eye on the landscape around them. Some artists work in textile, fibres, mixed media and found objects, resulting in amazing art quilts, sculptures and artwork that have been featured in Cirque du Soliel and the windows of Tiffany’s.

The tour artists also include master craftspeople whose medium is wood. They produce not only exceptional furniture, but also brooms, small wooden items and hand built guitars. The range of work extends from toys to furniture.

This year the tour also includes two art jewellers, whose work in silver and gold includes personal interpretations of the area as well as their own aesthetic. Also included, the perennial favourite metalsmith creating outdoor metal sculptures.

Follow the yellow signs with the iconic rooster to enjoy the beautiful colourful countryside, the charming downtown shops and restaurants of the village of Coldwater and all the amazing stops along the way. Stop in at many of the community restaurants or stores to enjoy a leisurely day out.

For more information, check out the website at https://coldwaterstudiotour.com or follow us on www.Facebook.com/ColdwaterandAreaStudioTour. The artists and artisans look forward to seeing you in person!