The 12th annual 12-40 and Beyond tour takes place in the Blaine Lake, Hafford, Marcelin and Leask areas July 26 and 27.
You are invited to take the self-guided tour and meet the friendly group of artists and artisans as they welcome you to their home workshops and studios. All venues are easy to find, as bright red elevator signs mark the way. Each venue is unique and welcoming, most have picnic tables and washroom facilities.
Site No.1, Heavenly Hills Orchard, (where tasting is encouraged) is tucked in the rolling hills south of Blaine Lake. The Timm family welcome you to enjoy shaded parking and a pleasant picnic area as you pick or sample berries.
Christine Watson of Pagangel Productions is situated at Site No.2 in Hafford. Her passion for photography has been life-long as she captures the magic of the world around her.
Site No. 4, Petrofka Bridge Orchard, is under the new management of Jeff and Diana Fedosoff. They carry on the tradition of dehydrated apple slices, apple soft cider, apple cider vinegar and home made apple pies as well as fresh fruit and vegetables from local suppliers.
Take a step back in time at Site No.10, General Store Memories Museum and Antiques where Bill Nemish will show you through a two-storey building housing a huge variety of nicely displayed collectibles.
Site No.12, Harder's Traditional Crafts, is located at Lac La Peche where visitors meet three generations of weavers and needle workers while enjoying a lake-front view. Demonstrations of the century old art of weaving will be held both days. Other craft items are also available.
While you are in the lake area take the scenic drive to Emerald Lake where you will find Buck and Sandy Lafond at Site No.14. Nikihnan Crafts is home to Buck's workshop where his scroll saw skills are used to to create useful and decorative wood items including scenes from nature, animals, native inspired designs and Christmas tree decorations. Sandy does the finishing for Buck and she uses soft tanned deer hides to make jewelry and other items.
Site No.5, Ev McDonald's Artwork in Marcelin, is home to artist/photographer Ev McDonald, who is new to the tour group this year. Her body of work includes landscape, cityscape, still life and plant life. She is a member of Northern Images Photographers in Prince Albert.
Prairie Leather and Art by Connie Leask, Site No.8, is also situated near Marcelin. Her varied display includes leather purses, cases and pouches as well as a variety of slippers and faux fur lined mitts. Saddlebags and other horse/cattlemen items are available. Her eye for detail along with excellent craftsmanship make each item unique. She has something new and exciting every year as she says she will make, "Whatever I dream up!" She was honoured this year at the Focus on Women Trade Show in Prince Albert where she received a plaque for the best booth in the show.
Pop's Old Forge, Site No.9, is a well-known farm site near Marcelin operated by Hubert and Alice Smith. Hubert designs and makes tools, barbecue utensils and ornamental garden railings as well as garden decorations. He also teaches the art of blacksmithing in the winter months. This winter he spent many hours designing and building a horseless carriage. Both Hubert and Alice spend many volunteer hours at Vintage Power demonstrations in Prince Albert and the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. Un-serviced camping is available at this site.
Site No. 3a , located between Blaine Lake and Marcelin, is home to Spirit of the Prairie Art and Teaching Studio where artist Doreen Kalmakoff teaches painting classes, mosaics and other art related workshops. She also accepts portrait commissions and has been involved in many mural projects in the communities of Blaine Lake, Marcelin and Leask. Guests will be welcomed by classical guitar music by Ed Bajak at different times during the weekend. They will also be encouraged to have some fun and make some music by entering the "ugly stick competition" set up in the outdoor gazebo. Paintings, prints, art mugs and art cards are available for sale. Be sure to ask for information about art classes and workshops for the 2014 fall sessions. Picnic areas and washroom facilities are available.
Site No. 3b, Fascinating Fabrics, by Florence Cheveldayoff has been a favourite stop for visitors over the years. Her life-long fascination with unique fabrics, dyes and textures is exemplified in her creations. Her display will focus on bags, batiks and seasonal pieces.
Site No.3c, Photography by Karen, is truly inspired by nature. Experienced photographer Karen Wudrick-Mattock's passion to photograph nature and landscape has led her on many early morning adventures in local areas as well as other countries. Whether it is the first prairie crocus or a lion found on Safari in Kenya, Karen has been there to capture the moment. Her work is whimsical and beautiful as she looks for the unusual in the usual. Her preferred technique is to shoot in natural light and compose within the lens. Original photographs, prints and art cards and mugs will be available for sale.
Tour dates are Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 with adventurers welcomed from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. each day. Printable brochures are available at www12-40andbeyond.com as well as local businesses in each of the communities.
For more in formation call Doreen at (306) 497-2801.
