Red Trillium Studio Tour closer than you think

WEST CARLETON – Finish off the month with a beautiful spring tour of West Carleton’s roads and visit 25 of West Carleton’s most creative artists.

This year marks the 27th year of the Red Trillium Studio Tour (RTST). The spring edition is taking place the weekend of May 31 to June 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

“When we say it’s just around the corner, we mean timing and location,” the RTST’s Jennifer Ajersch released in a statement. “Just 10 to 15 minutes from Kanata, Stittsville and Arnprior and only 35 minutes from downtown Ottawa and Carleton Place, this self-guided tour invites you to explore the vibrant artistic community in scenic West Carleton.”

This spring’s tour includes 12 studio stops, featuring 25 artists and fine craftspeople. A mix of returning favourites and new faces. Visitors will not only have the chance to meet the artists and explore their creative spaces, but also to purchase original, handcrafted pieces. The tour offers a range of beautiful creations in a range of mediums. 

For those with an appreciation of woodworking, don’t miss out on seeing John Chamney’s woodturning (Studio 1), the woodwork of Debbie and Bernie Derbach (Studio 3), and Bonnie and Terry Procyshyn (Studio 4), Bob Christie’s pyrography (Studio 6), Justin Richardson’s woodwork and furniture (Studio 9) and the handmade creations of Timothy Booth (Studio (10).

The beauty of glass art can be seen in the recycled glass garden art of Connie Burchell, who also does crochet (Studio 2), the stained glass of Marlene Othmer (Studio 5), the unique glass art and jewellery of Roxanne Ward and Sandra and Kevin Wilson (Studio 7), and the blown class/metal work of Chris Van Zanten (Studio 10).  Studio 7 also offers live demonstrations of glass blowing, always a tour favourite.

From Jen Ajersch’s oil painting and intaglio printing (Studio 1), the abstract work of Therese Boisclair (Studio 5), the oil and acrylics of Cecilia Chan (Studio 8), Cheryl Beillard’s painting, printmaking and drawing (Studio 10), and the work of Karl Kischel (Studio 11) and Vanessa McKeman (Studio 12), there are a number of painters and printmakers to visit.

The creative cooper and metalwork of Hazy DayZ Dragonflies (Studio 1) is a must see, as is the one-of-a-kind art jewellery of Vicki Jasperse (Studio 4), the unique filigree jewellery of Rain Kazymerchyk (Studio 5), and the fabric and mixed media sculpture of Jane Christie (Studio 6).

And certainly, Teresa Wingar’s intricate slip trailed pottery (Studio 10) and Cheryl Caswell’s hand-built pottery pieces (Studio 8) should not be missed, nor should the nature-inspired photography of Anita Schlarb (Studio 2) and Jordan Walmsley (Studio 9).

To view a downloadable map of the studios, click here.

“And while the description above provides a glimpse of what visitors will find on the Spring Tour, it can’t fully capture the passion and dedication behind each creation,” Ajersch said. “That experience comes from visiting the artists in their own creative spaces — where you can learn about their processes, tools, and sources of inspiration. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, a special piece for your home, or wish to simply enjoy the art and studios in a relaxed and welcoming setting, the RTST has something for you.”

To plan your outing and explore the full list of Spring 2025 artists, visit https://www.redtrilliumst.com.  There, you can download the brochure and map, find accessibility details and discover local eateries to enjoy along the way.