Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre Is Hosting The Oxford Studio Detour

Wednesday, 7 October 2020 08:30

The latest exhibit features 29 different artists and it goes until October 30th.

TILLSONBURG - The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre is holding the Oxford Studio Detour.

Their latest exhibition started on October 2nd and is happening all month.

Program Coordinator and Curator Tabitha Verbuyst says it is usually held in the first weekend of May, but COVID-19 prevented them from having the tour.

"We had an opportunity at the gallery at an opening space so we discussed with the Studio Tour and decided to throw together this wonderful exhibit, which highlights 29 of the artists that are actually on the Oxford Studio Tour. So what people can expect when they visit the gallery is to see 29 different artists and various mediums, from woodworking, painting sculpture, clay, water colour and photography."

She adds visitors can also see ceramic artists as well.

She says the gallery space can hold up to 10 people with social distancing in effect.

Verbuyst says this event actually wasn't planned, however they had an opening available after one gallery show fell through.

"This year was kind of up in the air. We had some shows that were not able to participate, there was artists that didn't feel comfortable coming out so it just presented itself and this wonderful opportunity. Since we weren't able to have the annual Oxford Studio Tour because with the studio tour artists open their homes and their privates spaces, and with that it's kind of a comfort level that some of them didn't feel like they wanted to do. That being said, we had the space available. We just started doing in-house gallery exhibits again so now we have this wonderful opportunity for these artists to be able to still show their work and all the stuff they would usually do through the Oxford Studio Tour."

She says they have rescheduled the other exhibitions for next year.

They'll also have sanitize stations and will ask for the names of visitors and their phone numbers to make sure they're safe and comfortable.

Verbuyst adds if there is a large group people who wish to attend, they're asked to call the Gallery ahead of time at 519-842-6151 so they can accommodate the group and close the space off. She says most of the artists are willing to meet with people or hold a private viewing as well. Verbuyst says just call the Gallery and they can arrange it.

She says the exhibit gives people a chance to see artwork from the local artists.

"You get to kind of explore. There's so much to look at between the gorgeous colours and textures and dimensions so we honestly invite artists to see, get a taste of what the tour is like and that way next year when the opportunity arises and we can actually have that annual tour again, you kind of already have your favourite spots and locations picked out."

The Oxford Studio Detour is free and goes until October 30th.