We renowned for our artist collectives. Creativity thrives here. The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is your chance to get inside the creative spaces of our local artists, in a self-guided tour that takes place annually over two weekends. Meet the makers and see what inspires them. Start at the Elora Centre for the Arts, with their exhibit featuring the artists on tour, and then head off to get inspired.
We renowned for our artist collectives. Creativity thrives here. The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is your chance to get inside the creative spaces of our local artists, in a self-guided tour that takes place annually over two weekends. Meet the makers and see what inspires them. Start at the Elora Centre for the Arts, with their exhibit featuring the artists on tour, and then head off to get inspired.
As you wander throughout the downtown streets and riverside views of Fergus and Elora, you’ll discover that art is at the heart of our communities.
Not only do we have a thriving arts community here, where creativity is inspired daily by our natural environment, but we also believe in making art accessible, attainable and a part of the landscape. If you look around, you’ll find artistic expression everywhere in the hearts of our historic towns.
The Elora Sculpture Project has added character and beauty to downtown streets and walkways. Take a tour around either town and you’ll find inspired pieces of intriguing sculptures.
If you’re in Fergus, walk riverside along the manicured pathways alongside the Grand River and you’ll see sculptures set in amongst the gardens and natural beauty that overlook the waterfalls.
In Elora, sculpture pieces can be found in interesting places throughout the downtown core, encouraging art lovers to tour beyond the main streets.
And of course, there is perhaps the most famous sculpture in town, known to the locals as Tall Man. Located in the Elora Greenspace, in the heart of the village, stands a giant sculpture of a finger pointing figure by artist Scott McNicol. The piece is titled “Who’s in Charge,” and it has become a central fixture to the gardens and greenspace. Get your phones out and snap a photo of you and your friends with this grand landmark. And if you post a photo with the big fella, tag us in on Instagram @visitelorafergus.
Be sure to seek out the artisan shops too, featuring hand-crafted pieces of pottery, jewellery, blown and designed glass creations, fine art paintings, wood working, quilts, photography and more. Best of all, most times you’ll get you’ll meet the maker and talk about their inspiration. Living here is inspiration enough.
You’ll find even more art in the heart of Elora at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Located just a few blocks from downtown, at the cross of Melville and Mill Streets, sits a historic landmark that has been lovingly restored as a celebration of the local arts community. The old walls are alive and thriving with creative energy. Take in a free art exhibit in the Minarovich Gallery and browse local wares in the Artisan Shop. The grounds include the Outdoor Pathways Project outdoor art pieces and sculpture, a beautiful spot to picnic and appreciate that art is everywhere here.
The Insights Juried Exhibition of Fine Arts marks its 40th anniversary in 2019.
In honour of the occasion, the exhibition Opening Gala will be held on June 19 from 7 to 9pm at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
Insights 40 runs from June 19 to Sept. 1 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
The on-going collaboration with this historic venue has made it possible to present the show in beautiful surroundings and in a wonderful gallery.
Take the day. Take the weekend. Hey, take two! Because exploring the Elora Fergus Studio is a true highlight to the fall season around here. It’s like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for grown-ups! So grab your map, mark your route and head out to explore some of the finest artists in and around Fergus and Elora.
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is a free self-guided tour that welcomes you into the workshops of local artisans. See art in various stages of creation, including pieces that are not always shown in gallery settings. Meet the makers. See unique creations. Ask questions. Get inspired.
Here’s just a few of the fine art mediums you’ll find on the tour:
Let’s face it, we’re all curious about creative spaces where artists make their art, because we are all curious about the process, the tools and the inspiration. Now’s your chance to find out about it all.
Start your tour at the Elora Centre for the Arts, a heritage building lovingly restored as a creative arts hub in the community. Here you’ll find:
The Elora Centre for the Arts will host an opening reception for the Elora Fergus Studio Tour on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 7pm to 9pm in the Minarovich Gallery. This free exhibit will be on display through to Sept. 30, 2018.
So many artists. So much time. Two weekends. 40 stops. Choose your inspiration.
Studios are open from 10am to 5pm – September 22 & 23/ September 29 & 30.
Spotted any Black Sheep around Elora lately?
The Elora Centre for the Arts is bringing a new festival to the village July 7th. Black Sheep Festival of Contemporary Textile Art will feature a curated marketplace highlighting the works of professional textile artists, makers and producers as well as weekend workshops, demonstration tents, a Honky-Tonk community breakfast and live Old-Time music.
The Community Breakfast starts at 9AM. Festival marketplace opens at 10AM. Admission $8
Community and art in a village that isn’t sheepish about their love of both! See you there.
Join in the celebration of the opening of one of the most celebrated art shows of the year!
The Insights Juried Art Exhibition will be returning to the Wellington County Museum and Archives this summer from June 13 to September 3, 2018. Admission is by donation.
Organized and sponsored by the Elora Arts Council Insights Committee, this juried art exhibit displays a wide range of original art in a variety of mediums, showcasing the works of well-established artists with emerging artists.
Now celebrating 39 years, Insights remains one of the largest and longest-running art shows in Ontario.
Come out and enjoy the gallery space, the creative exhibition and the ceremonies to follow at 8pm, with live music and light refreshments.
As an added feature, the Insights Committee has organized a Walk with the Jurors for Sunday, June 17 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Jurors John Kissick, Janice Mason Steeves and Tammy Ratcliff will share how their ideas and sensibilities shaped the exhibit. Admission for this event is $5.00.
The 2018 Elora Fergus Studio Tour is September 22-23 and September 29-30.
It’s one thing to appreciate art; it’s another thing altogether to see where the creative process begins, where the art is made and meet the artist in person.
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is two weekends of inspired discovery. A total of 36 artists working in various mediums open the doors to their creative spaces just to welcome you in. It’s a wonderful way to tour our communities, from the historical downtowns to the rural routes that surround us. Take a free, self-guided tour and follow the map. The journey is up to you!
The best place to begin the Fergus Elora Studio Tour is at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Here you will find:
The beautiful thing about this tour is the many ways you can experience it. Walk. Ride. Drive. Carpool with your friends. Come in a pack. Go it alone.
In Elora, we suggest you park at the Elora Centre for the Arts and put your walking shoes on. You can tour many of the studios by foot easily from this location.
NOTE: Current road construction between Colborne Street & Mill Street West have closed that portion of the route to vehicles, but access is still available on foot. Don’t let the construction stop you for exploring the artists in this neighbourhood.
Cyclists will enjoy the ride to and from Elora and Fergus, allowing a great adventure with many artist’s sites accessible by bike. Connect between the towns via the Elora Cataract Trail
Drive the route and enjoy free parking wherever you turn. This is the best way to experience the rural studios and the edge-of-town sites you don’t want to miss.
Watch for the purple and steel sandwich board signs along the routes to clearly identify studio locations.
