And it's closed...

The creaking gate has swung shut and is locked for another year!  We had 23 sales that I’ve been told of so far, although a few artists have yet to report in.  From our preview for Culture Days which began Sept. 27 to our closing at midnight November 7th, we had 1547 unique visitors, which is pretty nice!  Cheers to us!     

  I know all about being busy (what with moving, quitting my job and starting a business) but the tour didn't get it's usual attention, for which I'm sorry.  

  So, who’s game to take part in 2015?  I’d like the tour to have a physical presence during Culture Days and the Elora-Fergus Studio Tour in our bed and breakfast so please give this a thought as you munch those last mini chocolate bars and Hallowe’en candy...    

                                                     Boo!

It's open!

I'm late in getting the news out, and late in sharing with you, my readers:  for the 6th year, the Tour opened on October 1st and, thanks to you, is doing great!  Here are the statistics:

498 unique visitors!  That's spook-tacular!!  And we've had three sales that I know of, so let's see how much we can raise for the animals while getting cool Hallowe'en treats! 

Enjoy!

Remember:  it's all about Hallowe'en, art and helping animals!  Every purchase counts!  And please tell your friends! 

Starting to get ready - by Martha Burch

I am really starting to get some new things ready for the Studio Tour.  I will show pics soon.

Think crows, mummies, skellies

We're part of Culture Days!

We're a registered Culture Days event!  If you're unfamiliar with Culture Days, the last weekend in September across Canada is designated as a time to celebrate all things cultural, with thousands of participants from coast to coast!  It's huge!  It's fun!  And we're there!  

Of course it's a wonderful way to advertise our tour, with National coverage!  

Spread the word!

(Psst... if you have a cultural event in Canada taking part on September 26-28, consider registering!)  

New friends!

I am absolutely delighted to tell you that we now have 22 artists on our tour and some fresh new blood to share!  

First I'm relieved to say that Tamra Kohl is with us again! Tamra had a VERY successful time with us last year and I so very much want to share her Day of the Dead creativity with you all again!   

From our encounter at last year's Bazaar of the Bizarre, I was able to entice Dan Soelberg to share his magic with us!  As an illustrator of his own little world, Dan brings characters to life using only the power of a pencil or pen!  Incredible!  Prints, postcards, calendars and of course these beautiful books all graced his table, I wonder what he'll have for our tour!  

And I've been hoping to share with you all Samantha Meyers for a few years now, and here she is!  I can't wait for you to see her elegantly macabre doll art!    

And, as of today, we have Susan and Doug of Kitten and the Crow on our tour!!  Again, a meeting at the Bazaar of the Bizarre made me aware of this amazing artistic team and their story-book-like illustrations only leave me to beg for more and await the book!

So, what do you think?  Care to join us?  There are a limited number of spots left, so don't delay!  Not an artist?  Then visit our Facebook page and follow us there for all the latest news and a reminder to walk through the gates on October 1st!

Tour poster 2014

And here she is, in all her glory!  Our 2014 poster is ready to be downloaded from the "for artists" page or simply click on the above image for a full sized view and copy.

Once again a HUGE thank you to artist Bill Slavin who created the oh-so-subtly-spooky image, used as a book cover for the anthology Chills and Thrills.  I think it's a very Ontario farm house, just right framed by the gnarled trees and the rising moon.  Thank you again, Bill! 

New blood!

My dear Trick or Treaters!  I am thrilled to announce that the home page for our tour has now been updated and shows off a list of the artists that will be taking part this year!  Please do take a look and enjoy becoming familiar with these exceptional artists, all coming together to share Hallowe'en, art and a love for animals! 

Currently there are 17 on the list, including two who are new to the tour:  introducing Janice VanBeek and Sara Deck.  I met both of these incredible artists last October at the Bazaar of the Bizarre and am so very happy to be able to share them with you.  Here's a sneak peak at what they bring into the world, enjoy their websites to see more. 

Bleeding for your attention

Continuing to get the word out, our 2014 tour is now listed on the Perth Arts Connect event calendar!  Take a look by clicking here and click through to October. 

This so seasonally appropriate photo is by Carl Chalupa, who will "probably" take part again!

And, of course, the Halloweeners need to know, so we're listed on their haunts page, click here and scroll down to our tour's button.  Once I get our poster fixed for 2014 I'll send it in to be added to the Calendar of Events page.

We're a "Global Online Show"

We're listed on "Artist Bears International"!  Yes, this exciting online spot to see some of the newest soft sculpture creations from around the globe has included our tour on their "Global Online Shows" page.  Take a look by clicking here! 

In the spirit of sharing the flame (of course ours is a spooky, haunted flame!),  Brenda from ABI suggested the following:
"Please tell your bear and soft sculpture artists about us, we are adding new artists on an ongoing basis.  The artists can promote their work that is going to be in your show on our site and add a link to your page during the show.  Nice way to cross promote :-)."   
Indeed!  Yes, there is a cost to have your critters on the Artist Bears International site, but I think you'll agree that the rates are very reasonable.   

Thank you, Beth, for the heads-up about this website!

Taking a bite!

I just added our tour to the online calendar of shows hosted by the magazine Teddy Bear and Friends!  Take a look by clicking here!

If you'd like to add our tour to an online calendar (or tell me about a good one), you can use the following:

Online Hallowe'en Artists' Studio Trick or Treat  http://www.halloweenstudiotour.com

October 1^st- November 7^th

An annual international online studio tour running the entire month of October featuring Halloween and seasonal art!  With different artists taking part every year, you'll find artist dolls, soft sculptures, Teddy bears, jewellery, masks, paper art and many other artistic treats!

Benefiting animals through 20% of every sale, each artist selects the animal charity they wish to support.

Can't wait? Haunt the blog at http://halloweenstudiotour.blogspot.com

Questions? Contact Karen at woosel@wildmail.com