By Jenn Watt

Published Aug. 3 2017

If you go out in the woods this long weekend you’re likely to find dozens of artists demonstrating their craft. Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend are the dates for this year’s Tour de Forest featuring 27 artists at 16 studios across Haliburton County.

Most studios feature more than one artist and many have gardens that visitors can enjoy while they are also viewing the work.

Co-ordinator Charlene McConnell who is also on the tour at Purple Door Pottery Studio said the tour gives artists a chance to meet with their customers.

“The tour gives us the ability to engage with the public and see what they like” she said.

Artists on the tour have a large offering of work for sale at each location and put care into presenting their studios to the public.

“We all start working in January to have fresh work available” McConnell said.

Three new studios have been added this year all in Minden: Twisted Twig Designs (Mike Townsend) Finn Artists’ Centre (Carole Finn) and John Lennard’s Studio House (John Lennard).

New guests this year: Marleigh McConnell (Purple Door Pottery) Renee Woltz (Studio F with Jane Selbie) and Alan Douglas Ray (Studio E with Barbara Joy Peel).

Studios on the tour are in Minden Carnarvon West Guilford Haliburton Highlands East and points in between.

Tour de Forest is Aug. 5 to 6 between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out www.haliburtontourdeforest.com for details.

Each studio will have raffle tickets for visitors to fill out. On Sunday evening one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive a $200 gift certificate redeemable from any artist on the tour. The more studios you visit the more chances to win.