NORTHEAST — The 2018 Carrot River Valley Art Trail has artists opening up their studios to the public with demonstrations and projects that people can view and take part in.
Ev Letendre is an organizer for the Studio Art Trail, as well as one of the artists.
“We have three different areas. We have the north, which is Nipawin and Tobin Lake, then we have the central area, which is the Carrot River area, then we have the south area, which this year we only have one, which is Crooked River.”
To join, the artists go through an application process, with photos of their work.
“We’d like to hold about 20 or 22 different studios. This year I think we’re sitting at 17.”
At the same time Letendre doesn’t want this to persuade younger artists from applying for next year.
“If there’s a young artist who wants to maybe get involved, they might think they don’t have a chance because we’re full,” Letendre said.
In addition to the 17 artists who applied, each of them can choose three “guest artists” to be at their studio for the event.
“This year we have 17 studios and within those 17 studios we have the option of three guest artists, and it leaves an open door. It means people can feel they’re welcome to make an application and check us out, and who knows? Next year we might be able to handle it, I don’t know.”
By younger artists, Letendre doesn’t mean age, but rather artists that may not be as experienced publicly.
“Yes we’re encouraging young people, but these might be people who’ve done art for 15 years but have never shown it, you know? A lot of artists tend to be quite uncomfortable showing their work because there’s always, ‘oh my gosh what are people going to think?’” Letendre said. “It’s that barrier we’re trying to break down, that it doesn’t matter what you do if you do it with love and are proud of it, it’s a wonderful opportunity to show it.”
The 17 studio artists each pay $50 for the brochures that feature them, but the guest artists don’t pay. That being said, it also means the guest artists won’t get promoted through the brochure.
Some of the artists who will attend this year include Melissa Sisson, Gwen Van Meter, Rosella and Norm Fengstad, Louise Brazier, Randi Lalond, Doris Charko, Terri Freeborn, Marcy Friesen, and several others.
The Art Trail takes place in Nipawim, Carrot River and Tisdale on Aug. 17 to 19.
