Submitted
What better way to spend a summer day or weekend than to head out on a picturesque drive down country roads, past lush forests, glimmering lakes and streams, refreshing coulees, imposing canyons and rolling parkland for the annual Northern Horizons Journey of Creativity.
This experience is for art lovers, explorers, adventurers and anyone interested in discovering Saskatchewan’s picturesque treasures nestled along the route. On Aug. 5 and 6, studio workshops hosted by artists and craftspeople of the area surrounding Glaslyn, Medstead, Belbutte and Glenbush will open their doors to the public to share their diverse and interesting creative talents. This is a self-drive tour so you may travel in any direction, visit any or all of the studios. Horizon signs will be posted to help mark the trail. Choose your route according to where you are coming from and where you most want to visit. If you wish to visit all the studios in the tour, the smaller area may make it easier for you to accomplish the entire tour at your leisure, take time to visit and to enjoy the scenery.
We are re-introducing the passport this year. At the first site you visit pick up a passport and have the artists at each site mark it. A draw will be made for all those who visit all the sites during the two tour days. The prize will be a fine-art print of a Saskatchewan phenomenon, “The Crooked Trees” by renowned artist Dave Hiebert. However, if you are unable to get out on the tour during the two tour days when special displays are set up for the public, many of the artists would be happy to have you visit at another time by appointment.
You can experience a wealth of talent and diversity of content and process in a variety of mediums, with some new creations to enjoy each year. As an extra bonus you may see bison, alpacas, mosaics, beautiful gardens and perhaps wildlife along the way. In the town of Glaslyn, you will find a returning member, Mark Seabrook of MSSeabrook Photography who is an award-winning photographer and has had work published in Country Guide and Photo Life Magazine.
Also at Glaslyn is the work of Ruth Painter of Ruth’s Creations displaying her beautiful creations lovingly crocheted for both adults and children of all ages, so you’re sure to find something for yourself or for your “someone special.”
Southwest of Medstead, nestled in among the woods, is the gallery style home of an accomplished artist Dorothy Schmidt at Shady Lane Studio, overflowing with original oil paintings depicting the Saskatchewan landscape she loves to paint.
South of Glenbush, visit another awesome artist, Lavonne Dyck, at Portraits and More who displays her softly and realistically drawn portraits in graphite or coloured pencil, her photography and her beautiful rugs woven on her large floor loom.
In the same area is Barb Janzen at Buffalo Charlie, formerly Lost Horse Lake Soap Company, where you can purchase a supply of natural hand-made soap products made from buffalo tallow and herbs. She also makes beautiful unique jewellery and mosaics. You will definitely want to visit Debbie Dzialo at Ukrainian Creations. Besides her lovely collection of Ukrainian crafts, she is an incredible cook and will serve you a meal after 11 o’clock or you can purchase homemade pyrohy, holubtsi or baking to take home in your cooler.
Just a bit off Highway 3 between Cater and Belbutte you will find Kristen Stuart at Hat Creek Ranch Rustic Furniture with a variety of rustic furniture and décor pieces in a style that is a mix between farmhouse, old world, ranch house and northern cabin.
This year, Aaron Johnson of Boreal Rustics will be setting up his display at Kristen’s site. His work consists of rustic furniture, picture frames and other creations made from logs and wood often artistically decorated with antlers and other found objects.
This is what previous enthusiastic travelers on the journey have had to say: “I’m enjoying every minute of it!” “This is more than a tour – it’s an event!” “WOW! What wonderful talent we have in rural Saskatchewan!” “We think we have to go far away to find talent but it’s right here!” “What a great idea for spending a weekend!”
Passion, creation, countryside – plan to eat out or pack a picnic, friends and family into a car and discover some of the many wonderful hidden talents and treasures concealed along the quiet byways of rural Saskatchewan! Join the celebration of creativity!
For more information pick up a brochure complete with a map, directions, and commentary on individual artists available from businesses, art galleries and information centers in the area or visit www.northernhorizons.ca. You can also find us on Facebook at Northern Horizons - Journey of Creativity.
