Love art? Chart your arts adventure through Prince Edward County with this quiz 🖼️
The art scene is so varied and dynamic in Prince Edward County, it may seem overwhelming. There are visual arts, juried shows, art festivals, live music, theatre and more! Never fear, this simple quiz will help point you in the direction of the gallery or studio that’s right for you. But really… any of The County studios will make you glad you dropped in!
By Joanne Fralick
- Pick a colour:
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- A. Red
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- Asparagus Harvest
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- C. Blue (Sky, by Stew Jones)
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- D. Yellow (Sculpture at Oeno Gallery)
- My best time of day is:
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- A. Evening
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- 2. Morning
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- 3. Noon
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- 4. Midnight
- Pick a word:
A) Aware          B) Stoic        C) Animated         D) Revolutionary
- At the zoo, I first visit:
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- A. Big Cats
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- B. Elephants
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- C. Insects
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- D. Birds
- I prefer to spend time with:
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- A. Friends
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- B. Grandchildren
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- C. Alone
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- D. My children
- At a party you’ll find me:
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- A. In animated conversation
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- B. In a comfy chair, people watching
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- C. Checking out the decor
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- D. Mixing and mingling
RESULTS
Bold work by jennifer topaz bruce at iconoclast studio | Courtesy iconoclast studio
Mostly As:
CONTEMPORARY ART
You’re intuitive, emotional and have a big imagination. You’re always open to new experiences. Your studios of choice would include Iconoclast Studio’s bold paintings by Jennifer Topaz Bruce, Sybil Frank Gallery’s unique vision from whimsy to modern, and Hatch Gallery‘s works from established, mid-career and emerging contemporary artists, including County residents Shani Mootoo and Kelly Cade.
Lively, colourful canvases from Margaret McFetridge’s Bloomin’ Barn. | Photo credit: Arts Trail
Mostly Bs:
TRADITIONAL ART
Your tastes are mature. You like having the facts, which bring about logical conclusions. You believe hard work gets you what you want. Studios that appeal to you would be Margaret McFetridge’s Bloomin’ Barn Studio in Wellington, where the floral works are joyous and vibrant; or J. Douglas Thompson Studio on Wilson Road, where his large canvases beautifully illustrate how light intersects with the world around us; or Graham Davies’ The Bald Photographer gallery in Cherry Valley,displaying strikingly creative portraits and fine art images. Find a selection of traditional art and illustrations at Mad Dog Gallery, representing local art in a gorgeous garden setting.
Art as theatre in Mark Armstrong’s Wellington glass-blowing studio. | Photo credit: Johnny CY Lam
Mostly Cs:
3-DIMENSIONAL ART
You appreciate the uniqueness of life’s daily experiences. You like to work with your hands, and have an eye for detail. You may enjoy the gentle wearable art of Amelie Silks, the whimsical sculptural ceramic works of Florence Chik-Lau or Andrea Piller’s delicate ceramic creations at Ember Studio. Melanie Mena makes functional art at her pottery studio in West Lake. Sculptor Paul Verrall brings stone to life, coaxing animal forms from within soapstone, alabaster or wonderstone. Tom Ashbourne‘s abstract figures can be found in his studio, outside Wellington, while Mark Armstrong’s glassblowing is like a performance art and Kirei’s otherworldly creations make an impression at Lalaland Glass Studio.
Works by County-based painter Stew Jones at Maison Depoivre | Courtesy Maison Depoivre
Mostly Ds:
ECLECTIC
You want it all! If it appeals to you, it’s art. You live art, love art, and create your own art!
There are several mixed media studios in Prince Edward County, including Hand Works in Bloomfield, a treasure trove of original art, antiques, jewelry and ceramics, or Andara Gallery, mixing encaustic paintings with handcrafted nests and fine photography.
The Local Store, outside Bloomfield on the way to the Sandbanks Provincial Park, gathers the best of The County under one roof – from fine art to foodstuffs and handicrafts. SideStreet Gallery in Wellington features an extensive collection of works by regional artists. Blizzmax, on the extreme eastern end of The County, has some of the most thought-provoking pieces in its summer season shows.
Maison Depoivre, open during the summer months in the former Camp Picton gunnery school, has a hugely eclectic mix of provocative shows, plus art installed in restaurants and gathering spaces around The County. Hri Neil’s Carbon Art and Design is a new-ish art space in the small building behind the County Canteen, with thoughtful mixed shows of cutting edge works. At Oeno Gallery, you’ll see everything from Maud Lewis to dynamic contemporary pieces, massive outdoor sculpture and even works from the Group of Seven.
Find a workshop to meet your creative needs at Spark Box Studio. | Photo credit: Trevor Crowe
Make your own art
If all this art is inspiring you to do it yourself, there are places that accommodate that too!
Baxter Arts Centre in Bloomfield provides varied art programs for visitors and residents of Prince Edward County, for all ages. Bloomfield-based artist Rhonda Nolan frequently offers art classes. Â The magical Spark Box Studio offers customized workshops in their Instagrammy print studio, where they specialize in screen printing.
Guildworks in Bloomfield stocks an eclectic mix of work in ceramic, glass, textile, jewellery, metal and wood; they also curate a small collection of visual art by both established and emerging artists. They also offer workshops where people can learn a new craft from some of Canada’s best artists and makers.
Wherever your interest lies, there’s an art studio for that in Prince Edward County. Come for the rural beauty, chase the muse down the back roads and enjoy a leisurely arts adventure. Find more places and spaces for art here.
