The Gabriola Studio Tour

Gabriola studios welcome new, returning friends

Gulf Islands Tourism: work by Gera Benoit of Gabriola Island

Keith Poulton's belted kingfishers, top, and a piece by Gera Benoit, participants in the Gabriola Studio Tour.

Every day is a celebration of the arts on gorgeous Gabriola Island, a little slice of paradise where legions of writers, actors, poets, painters, dancers, musicians and their peers hone their craft.

The free, self-directed, 15th annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour is the ultimate celebration of the visual artists of this "Isle of the Arts," but the fun isn't limited solely to Thanksgiving. Visitors can design their very own magical art tour any time of the year. The 2011 Studio Tour Brochure lists visual artists who are open year-round, particularly in the summer when island life in the sun is in full swing.

Distinctive road signs guide visitors to the studios for a unique opportunity to see artists up close and personal, many with national and international reputations. Rarely do art fans get such a chance to make the connection between the artist and their art in the space where it all comes together — it's truly an addictive experience.

Marina and Todd Waverly, from Vancouver, have done the tour nine years in a row.

"We first came over with my folks when the kids were little," Todd says. "We came for the whole weekend and took turns entertaining the kids while the others were touring the studios."

"My brother and his family came the next year and now, well, it's a family Thanksgiving tradition," Marina laughs. "We book a couple of cabins with kitchens and we cook, eat, tour the studios, eat some more, walk the beaches and just generally have a really special family time."

Todd adds: "The kids have gotten to know several of the artists and the artists have been really great with the kids … answering loads of questions and stuff — very warm and welcoming."

"And Marina and her sisters have got lots and lots and lots of art to remember it all by," says Todd.

Jean and Randy Atkins, retirees living in Parksville on Vancouver Island, have eight studio tours under their belts.

"We like coming for the day on the Thanksgiving holiday Monday," says Jean. "It's not so crowded and we find a lot of the Gabriola residents are out and about then, too. They've filled us in on some really interesting facts about the island we'd never have learned any other way," says Jean.

And the one sure thing that both groups agree upon is that they'll all be back for Studio Tour 2011.

From silversmiths to quilters and from sculptors to painters there is definitely something for everyone and every budget on the studio tour. Art for your wall, your table or your person await you … and all at your own pace.

People can get their free tour brochure at art galleries, libraries and retailers, or contact the Gabriola Arts Council at info@gabriolaartscouncil.org.

Visit the council's website for more info: www.gabriolartscouncil.org.

— Kathy Ramsey