BMFA Studio Tour Showcases Area Talent

This past weekend the Blue Mountain Foundation For The Arts hosted their 21st annual Studio Tour at various venues throughout Collingwood, Clearview and the Blue Mountains. As a budding painter, I took some time off my real estate duties over the weekend and visited a number of the locations that featured works of particular interest to myself.
One of the many attractions that draws people to this area for recreational and more significantly retirement purposes are not only the active sports at our disposal but the many forms of cultural activities for persons to engage in. Concerts, live theatre, garden and other clubs plus a very active and talented arts community have developed in recent years creating yet another reason why the Georgian Triangle has become a mecca for retirees. In making the rounds throughout various homes and galleries over the weekend it became readily apparent that the area is home to a variety of talented artisans. The paintings, sculptures, and jewellery that were on display and for sale are a product of both their creator's talent and no doubt of the inspiration they derive from residing in such a beautiful area. Landscapes of Georgian Bay, the Beaver Valley and Niagara Escarpment were highly prevalent throughout the weekend, a further testament as to why so many have sought to reside in this picturesque part of Ontario. Living in a small town often means giving up the social and cultural amenities that many have become accustomed to living in places like Toronto and the GTA. Not so in the Georgian Triangle. With a year-round plethora of varied activities, there is something virtually for everyone.
Although two or three hours spent touring the various studios over the weekend was far too short, I came aware from the experience both thankful for having the opportunity to live and work in this area but more importantly, I was inspired to pull out my paints and brushes on a more frequent basis to indulge in creating some works that depict the landscape we all too often take for granted.