Isle of the Arts opens its doors

Annual Thanksgiving weekend studio tour celebrates 15th year

Tammy Hudgeon displays one of the colourful glass pieces created in her Gabriola studio.

Tammy Hudgeon displays one of the colourful glass pieces created in her Gabriola studio.

It’s the weekend where art enthusiasts jump in their cars and make like Mario Andretti – without the hurry.

The 15th annual Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour is set for Oct. 8-10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days.

Gabriola is home to some of the most innovative, vibrant and creative artists in B.C. On Thanksgiving weekend, 58 artists participate in the annual studio tour, which people create themselves with the help of an island map listing which studios and galleries to find the artists.

Clusters of cars travel the island’s winding roads from Folklife Village and Gabriola Artworks near the ferry terminal to Silva Bay on the opposite end. The annual tour is often described as a mini-road rally due to the number of vehicles and visitors who cross the Nanaimo Harbour.

Download the 2011 brochure with artist, studio, gallery listings and map at www.gabriolaartscouncil.org.

Nanaimo News Bulletin