The 24th annual Cedar and Yellow Point Artisan’s Self-Guided Christmas Tour is coming up right around the corner.
This year, more than 30 artists in 21 locations are geared up and excited to see you.
The tour runs Nov. 15-18, and you can pick up a guide at the Ladysmith Visitor Information Centre or download a brochure online.
The tour offers a variety of wonderful gifts, and there is something for everyone, from pottery, original art, jewelry and Native art to honey, unique culinary products, fantastic jam, jellies, woodworks, dolls and more. This is the perfect time to visit the studios, shops, galleries and farms, all brimming with such an assortment of unique gifts you will be flabbergasted.
For those wanting to experience a bit of farm charm while Christmas shopping, make sure to visit the Broody Rooster Gallery during the tour.
The cottage is nestled at the end of a long lane and is surrounded by the sights and sounds of farm critters.
Artwork by resident artist Nicole Vaugeois and guest artisans Marci Leighton and Lesley Lorenz will be on display. All artists are farm girls, and their paintings are alive with colours that evoke joy and express the love of all things rural.
This year, art will also be on display in the new barn behind the cottage.
“The barn has been my canvas for the past year,” says Vaugeois. “I wanted a structure that would be here for centuries as an icon on the rural landscape — something that expresses the values I have for farming.”
This year, visitors can follow the paintings and other gift items from the cottage through the barn as a living gallery.
The farm scenes that inspire the paintings and photography of the artists will be shared with others.
Beyond paintings, the gallery will have a range of items like art cards, horseshoe art by Dan Gogo and crafts by local artisans.
Make sure to travel down beautiful country roads as you browse and buy locally.
Yellow Point Alpaca Farm’s flock of alpaca will greet you as you head for the shop.
Experience the natural elegance of fine yarn and alpaca garments. It’s just a little bit of heaven.
Yellow Point Cranberries is iconic, and you will find a plethora of fine cranberry products.
Another must-stop is Fredrich’s Honey, where you can smell the sweetness when you walk in the door.
Hazelwood Herb Farm offers a great selection of gift baskets, cosmetics and traditional healing products.
But there are more than farms on the tour. Be sure to visit all the studios, shops and galleries as well.
While taking the tour, stop in at one of the local restaurants or pubs for a meal or a quick snack — you won’t be disappointed.
For more information, call 250-245-5283.
— Submitted