Many of the artists on this year’s Moostletoe Tour were enthusiastic about the number of art lovers who visited each studio and credited the beautiful weather with the turnout.
The ninth annual Moostletoe Artists Studio Tour took place on Oct. 19 at nine different locations through Moose Jaw. The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery and the Yvette Moore Gallery sponsored the event, which featured artists showcasing their latest creations and discussing their works with visitors.
Painter Laura Hamilton thought it was difficult to part with the creations she had made since she becomes so attached to them.
“They’re like my children,” she said as visitors toured her house studio. “When I paint, they become a part of me. Someone buys it and it rips your heart out.”
Hamilton and other artists confirmed that more than 100 people had toured through their studios before noon, before slowing down for lunch and then picking up again afterward.
Metal artists Bill and Laurette Keen were thrilled to show visitors some of the hand-made metal pieces that he had made and she had painted.
The Keens have been part of the tour for about seven years, explained Laurette. They participate in the tour since it’s easier to have people come to their gallery than to pack up everything and set it up elsewhere.
“We’re getting older and it’s a little bit easier,” she chuckled, adding it’s also great to have a home with a finished basement in which to show their works.
It was so busy at the Yvette Moore Gallery that its founder didn’t have time to sit down to paint until the late afternoon. Moore noted the rush was similar to having Christmas in October.
She added that participating in the tour also gave exposure to some of the work of other artists at her gallery.
