South Niagara artists draw tour crowds
Painters, jewelry makers, sculptors and more put their welcome mats
Lynne Holloway’s passion for jewelry making started with beading about 25 years ago.
As her skill increased, the artist tried to make items with other materials, including different metals and glass.
“I am allergic to some of the materials used in costume jewelry, so I started making my own,” Holloway said.
Her family and friends took notice of her beautiful handmade pieces, so Holloway made jewelry for her loved ones.
Five years into the craft, she had so much, she decided to start selling her pieces.
On Saturday, the Stevensville resident opened her Whispering Elms Studio on College Road to the public for the South Niagara Artists 2019 Studio Tour.
Holloway’s husband, Daryl DeGesse, helped her transform their garage into an art space years ago, with a deep clean, a fresh coat of paint to brighten the walls, and display cases and tables.
“There may have been a few grumbles, but my husband was definitely good about it.”
Holloway was one of 19 artists featured on the tour. Art lovers were invited to visit upwards of a dozen studios between Greater Fort Erie and Wainfleet for the two-day event that wrapped up Sunday afternoon.
Holloway has welcomed people to her studio as part of the tour for four years.
“I’ve done big art shows but then I have to haul it somewhere. I think this studio tour is handy because I could do everything here and it’s more economical than Toronto shows in terms of expense,” she said. There’s also the bonus of art. “In the beginning the tour had just painters, but we’re getting a lot more variation from sculptures, pottery and bird houses.”
Welland’s Pam Duncan was one of a handful of guest artists at Holloway’s home on Saturday.
When Holloway approached Duncan in February about participating in the studio tour, the painter loved the idea.
“I’ve been an artist since I was tiny. My kindergarten teacher, Miss Mitchener, up until she passed away five years ago kept my artwork. She said she always knew I would make something of myself.”
Duncan enjoys a variety of styles and mediums using acrylic, water colour and pastels to create images of animals, mystical creatures, flowers, landscapes and more.
“I don’t like to limit myself,” Duncan said.
“I can lose myself in art. I’ll start a painting in the morning and I’ll forget to eat. Time just disappears.”
For more information about South Niagara Artists and its Oct. 5 and 6 fall tour, visit www.southniagaraartists.ca.