Spring is here and Cowichan Artisans are growing. Come meet us on our Cowichan Artisans Spring Tour, April 22nd and 23rd. We’ve welcomed new members and welcomed back old members. We are a group of 16 professional artisans, creating jewelry, fabric/ furniture art, metal sculpture, pottery, paintings, glass art, mixed media, and collage art.
Starting in the South at Bev Robertsons’ Shawnigan Lake studio, where she creates bold, floral paintings, seascapes and more. A short distance away in Cobble Hill is Mixed Metal Mimi’s studio. Mimi uses recycled vintage metal serving trays and plates to create one-of-a-kind jewelry. Just down the road, Hayes Glass Designs, will blow you away with Tylers’ glass sculptures, globes, mugs, and custom creations. In nearby Cowichan Station… Morgan Ann Design is a highly skilled silversmith with her unique silver jewelry designs. Next stop Whippletree Junction, Studio 1867, where Pipi, well known fabric artist/designer and Ruth, a talented furniture designer/upholsterer, team up to create wonderful pieces for your home.
Now onto a scenic drive through Cowichan Bay to watercolourist Jennifer Lawson’s studio to view her widely known historical houses and garden works. Practically next door is Catherine Fraser, a world-renowned painter and mixed media artist, whose paintings are thought provoking, vibrant images of home and travels. Journey on to Live Edge Designs, award winning furniture designers who build and create from salvaged local wood and fallen trees, exposing the story of their life. Nestled in a quaint neighbourhood of Duncan, Caroline Storie’s mixed media stitches, paints and doodles fun and whimsy into her art. At Round Woman Studio, Laurel paints stories of village women who will hop, skip, and jump their way into your heart. Get fired up over Cathi Jefferson’s salt fired pottery, and see a selection of artfully crafted pottery and unique sculptural pieces. In the same area you will discover metal works at Wroughtenart where Travis Rankin makes fabulous iron gates, fire pits and sculptural iron works.
In Westholme you will find Margit Nellemann’s studio (also home of the Westholme Tea Company) Margit specializes in hand built ceramics. One-of-a-kind works for the home; lantern houses, vases, bowls, saucers,
cups and decorative ceramics. Afterwards head down towards the beach in Maple Bay and discover Creartful Dodger studio. You’re likely to see a whale or at least find one or two in Wilma’s nautical collages. Rounding out
the tour, across the road, visit Bev Thompson’s Studio 553. Printmaker, painter, teacher, world traveler, her work is inspired by her travel experiences and the cultures of the world.
By Bev Robertson
www.cowichanartisans.com