Rich with natural beauty, and an inspiration for the original Group of Seven, this region has always held a special magnetism for the artistic spirit, and the following artists highlight just a few of them.
HIDEAWAYS asked Dave Campbell and Tim Webb, renowned art aficionados who recently established a creative new business in uptown Gravenhurst, for their comments on the importance of art in Muskoka.
Dave: We were first attracted to Muskoka because of its dramatic landscape, so full of extremes. It feeds the spirit, and we were drawn to that energy. There is a tangible and growing appreciation for the arts here, both performing and visual. The cultural community is focused and passionate, and its talents are becoming increasingly recognized and celebrated.
Tim: I know that many artists here share the same thrill that I do when I see the mist over the lake, or a birch stand in a copse, or the sparkle of fresh snow. It is invigorating to endeavour to capture the image, whether it's with a brush or pen, a sculpting tool, or a camera lens. We're excited about getting to know more local artists, musicians, actors, and other creative personalities. The arts scene in Muskoka is a big part of why we're here.
Dave Campbell is an internationally acclaimed TV choreographer and Director for stage, with impressive credits including The Junos, The Geminis, Canadian Idol, and Toronto's recent Multi-Dora Nominated revival of CATS! Tim Webb has had international success painting murals and decorative artwork for prominent corporate clients such as McDonald's, The Bay, Second Cup Coffee, and Cara Foods Ltd. They are co-owners of The Gypsy Market Mews Eclectiques.
Stone Designs
Jim Brown’s innate talent for fine drawing evolved from ink sketches to portraits and landscapes, to carvings in wood and stone. His artistic signs are custom-made, designed with meticulous attention, and handcrafted for durability.
These unique marble and granite stones find their place as markers for corporate businesses, attractive entrance signs for cottages and homes, memorial stones for loved ones and pets, or decorative garden stones. Hand-drawn, then carved and painted, any image can be produced to satisfy the client’s artistic vision.
Jim also applies his skills to unique projects ranging from decorative dishes to sink bowls to innovative furniture. His creative instincts respond enthusiastically to imaginative ideas, and he welcomes consultation to produce one-of-a-kind works that last for all time.
705-833-1291 • [email protected] • www.handcrafteddesigns.ca • www.stonedesigns.ca
Bonnie BewsPainting
The whimsical and historic Hinterglas style of reverse glass painting is the medium for artist Bonnie Bews. A visit to her enchanting ‘Hinterglas Castle’ studio gallery, tucked away in the forest at Walker’s Point, reveals the inspiration for Bonnie’s subjects — Muskoka’s woodland creatures, flora and fauna, and the fanciful flight of faeries.
Hinterglas Castle • 1012 Wares Rd., Walker's Pt., Gravenhurst • 705-684-8050 • [email protected] • www.BonnieBews.com
Wendy MosesPainting
Art lessons in the boathouse of Alexandra Luke on Lake Rosseau inspired Wendy Moses to push on in the art field. Using mostly acrylics, she creates bright, bold and beautiful expressionist paintings. Awaken and enhance your imagination at the Alexandra Luke Gallery, located on picturesque Partridge Lane, just outside Bracebridge.
Alexandria Luke Gallery • 1086 Patridge Lane, Bracebridge • 705-645-2093 • [email protected] • www.AlexandriaLukeGallery.com
Susan Gosevitz, SCAPainting
Susan Gosevitz is an award-winning artist and elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists. Her paintings capture special moments in nature to wake up, to calm, and to bring a sense of peace. Susan has exhibited in numerous shows, including the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg. She is a member of The Tobin Island Artists.
4A Peacock Rd., Rosseau • 416-930-1892 • [email protected] • www.susangosevitz.com
Erika HarrisPainting & Jewelery
Inspired by Muskoka's incredible natural beauty, multi-media artist Erika Harris uses oils, acrylics, watercolours and wool (traditional rug hooking and felting) to create her art. Erika lovingly captures this essence on canvas whether on outdoor locations or at her home studio and gallery. Erika also designs one-of-kind artisan jewellery using semi-precious gemstones.
205 Forest Glen Dr., Gravenhurst • 705-684-9199 • [email protected]
Carole ThurPainting
Carole Thur paints in acrylic on hand-crafted wood items (paddles, trays, boxes) and on canvas. She has also done children’s wall murals and portraits. Her self-taught style is part impressionistic with a bit of realism thrown in. She endeavours to promote a visual sensitivity to the beauty, serenity, and sacredness of nature. Carole works from her home in Bracebridge.
705-645-5136 • [email protected]
Andrea RossPainting
Andrea Ross is a Canadian landscape painter who lives on Skeleton Lake. She holds a Fine Art degree from the University of Guelph and has over 40 years drawing and painting experience. Her oil paintings are colourful impressions of shorelines, water, rocks and trees that entice you deep into her canvasses as you explore Muskoka’s rugged landscape.
Skeleton Lake Studio • 25-1244 Skeleton Lake Rd. 2 Utterson • 705-385-2546 • [email protected]
Catherine O'MaraPainting
Working with Renaissance techniques and mediums, Catherine O’Mara has been painting the forests and lakes that surround her Limberlost studio for many years. Textural elements bring a bold impressionist look to her new work. Her work may be seen at the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour and the Artists of the Limberlost Tour.
1968 Limberlost Rd., Huntsville • 705-635-2093 • [email protected] • www.OmaraStudio.com
Bev ClarkPainting
An aquatic scientist, Bev Clark focuses many of his paintings and carvings on water themes, as well as ‘sense of place’ style paintings with a strong emotional tie to the subject. His paintings, in both oil and acrylic, add whimsy to a summer home. Bev’s work is displayed at Martin’s Framing in Bracebridge, and commissions are welcomed.
13 Aubrey St., Bracebridge • 705-645-2967 • [email protected] • www.BevClarkArt.com
Tamalee BellowsJewelery
Tamalee Bellows creates original jewellery fashioned from organic, re-purposed, and genuine ingredients — freshwater pearls, semi-precious gemstones like turquoise, carnelian, amazonite, jade with lampwork glass, sea glass, and sea shells. Her strong ties to Muskoka are born from a family history dating back into the early 1800s and forty years of summer residency.
Tamalee Accessories • 905-427-9441 • [email protected] • www.TamalessAccessories.com
Terry GillPainting
Terry Gill is passionately committed to honouring and protecting our environment. His love of nature is expressed in his ‘Impressions of Nature’, reflecting the many facets of nature, particularly throughout the Georgian Bay and Muskoka areas. His work may be seen at Soul Sistas in Huntsville and the gift shop at Brackenrig Nursery in Port Carling.
impressionsofnature.blogspot.com • 705-789-0382 • [email protected]
David Dawson, AOCA, OSAPainting
As a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and an elected member of the Ontario Society of Artists, David Dawson has won numerous awards for his use of colour. His contemporary paintings are expressionistic, some leaning towards abstract, allowing the viewer to find their own meaning. His new studio/gallery is in the Albion Hotel in Gravenhurst.
100-2 Muskoka Rd. North, Gravenhurst • 705-687-2330 • [email protected] • www.DavidDawson.ca
Linda Potts, AOCAPainting
Linda Potts is inspired by the ephemeral images of nature that are beautiful but all too fleeting. Her bold and dramatic paintings reflect the changing patterns of life and nature, capturing the images to sustain their beauty. Linda’s work is also featured Summer House Interiors at the Gravenhurst Wharf. Commissions are welcomed.
4 Baypoint Ct., Gravenhurst • 705-687-8178 • [email protected] • www.LindaPottsArtist.com
Rick LeRouxStained Glass
Over the past 35 years, Rick LeRoux has developed unique stained-glass techniques such as glass overlaying and mounting glass windswept pines into Canadian granite rock. The one of a kind originals are inspired by the rugged beauty of the Georgian Bay Area. Many pieces of Rick's work have been used as official municipal gifts to various cities and to visiting dignitaries.
194 Collier St. Barrie • 705-722-6583 • [email protected] • www.Studio194.ca
Marion G. StevensonPainting
Marion Stevenson started painting in oils at the age of 17, later exploring watercolours. She loves the flow of watercolours on paper, as well as the vivid colours of acrylic, to create landscapes, buildings, and flowers. An award-winning artist, Marion’s paintings have sold internationally. Her work is displayed at Gravenhurst’s Auburn Art Gallery or by studio appointment.
705-645-9798 or 905-435-0435 • [email protected] • www.MarionGStevenson.ca
Liz ElderSigns in Wood & Stone
Liz Elder specializes in custom-made, sandblasted signs, pep memorials and wall art, in cedar or granite. High quality western red cedar, Muskoka granite, stain and enamel are used for superior durability. Liz consults with her clients to create just about any shape, size or image that they may want for a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
1238 Carlsmount Rd., Bracebridge • 705-645-1770 • [email protected] • www.SignsInWood.ca
Margo GraceyPainting
Margo’s innovative art draws inspiration from her exquisite English gardens. Her award-winning watercolour paintings reflect a serene yet radiant vitality in her use of colour and movement. Margo’s ‘Art for the Outdoors’ is produced with the home or cottage in mind. Impervious to moisture, these paintings are suitable for Muskoka rooms, boathouses, spas and gardens.
Bramblewood Studio • 1235 Sparrow Lake Route D, Kilworthy • 705-689-0664 • [email protected] • www.BrambleWoodStudio.com
Susan WestoverPainting
With over 20 years of painting pleasure, Susan Westover now has her work with collectors in Toronto, Muskoka, California, Connecticut, Texas and Sydney, Australia. Specializing in abstract paintings, landscapes, and commissioned wall murals or portraits, her work is on display at their Bed and Breakfast establishment in Gravenhurst and may be viewed by appointment.
320 Bay Street, Gravenhurst • 705-687-4100
Valerie Autumn NelsonPet Portraits
Valerie Nelson brings her love of animals to her artistic talents. She paints charming and affordable watercolour portraits of pets, softening realism with a touch of whimsy and a shade of impressionism. Her gentle touch creates a tender rendition of your pet.
[email protected] • 108 Deer Lake Rd., Port Sydney
