This Tour is named after the regions for its participating studios. The P(embroke) A(rnprior) R(enfrew) C(alabogie) Studio Tour has participants in Pembroke, Laurentian Valley, Cobden, Renfrew, Horton, Burnstown, Springtown and Calabogie. You have many choices over the two day Tour on where to start and where to end your journey. NOTE: You can print out this page, scroll to the bottom and click on the printer.
Traversing any studio tour requires you to be prepared. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather so that you know how many layers of clothing you’ll need. If you have a “must-see” studio make sure that you fit it in early so that you don’t miss it.
Be prepared to have cash on hand as some artists are not set up with online payment apps. The type of payment that each artist accepts will be indicted under their bios on each of their pages on the website.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that if you’ve seen something that grabs your heart don’t delay in making the purchase! Many items are one-of-a-kind creations and it most likely won’t be there when you go back to the artist!
Here are Some Key Ways to Have a Great Tour:
- Use the official Tour Google Map found here. Set out your route and make sure to visit as many studios as you can on your journey. The Explore page on this site highlights some places to eat or rest in the various towns throughout the Tour.
- Make sure to have some water and snacks for those regions that fall between any restaurants or cafes. Make sure you have your debit or credit card(s) and remember, while many artists accept cards, cash is always king!
- When you purchase art/creations directly from the artists you will always remember your time on the Tour and remember interacting with that particular artist or maker. Art soothes the soul – if you see something that just ‘speaks’ to you don’t pass it by. The piece will always make you feel that same way every time you look at it!
- Make sure to take a business card from the studios and artists that you visit. Who knows, you may need something that you saw from them at a later date!
- Always ask for permission from the artists if you’d like to take a picture of something you see in their studio.
- You can also help support any of the artists by simply promoting them on social media. You don’t always have to purchase something if its not in your budget. But even buying small things like greeting cards or bookmarks are great ways to support creators if you’re on a budget.
The organizers, volunteers and artists/makers thank you very much for adding our Studio Tour to your schedule of ‘most important things to do’ this September. Remember, our Tour will always take place the third weekend in September every year going forward.
