For those looking for a unique art experience this fall, the Dawson Trail Art Tour might just be the ticket. The two-day event is open to anyone who wants to not only see wonderful local art but meet the 14 artists who create that art as well.
“We call it an immersive experience. It’s a chance for people to go and visit the studios of these artists and get a first-hand experience at what the creation process is like,” said founder Pierrette Sherwood. “We have a variety of group venues (also) along the trail. There’s at least four group venues where there’s a number of artists under one roof showcasing at one particular venue…. We really tried to make it an immersive experience for the visitors so they really get a chance to understand the process. They get a chance to speak one on one with the artist and they get to see what the creative process is like.”
The tour has been going on for four years and although there are a number of art tours in Manitoba, the intimacy of this one is a pleasure to visit, according to visitor feedback, said Sherwood.
One of the benefits of the tour is the ability to purchase the art on display. Sherwood said there are different price points for all the art making it accessible and perfect for Christmas gifts.
“Art is a creative outlet for a lot of people. It can be a very positive and healthy outlet, a chance for people to relax through the creative process and or (it) can be meditative. (It) can allow people to work through things as well. We’ve all heard about art therapy and how it can be really beneficial for healing through trauma or what have you.
“But art beautifies the environment. It’s an aesthetically pleasing medium that allows people to share. It allows people to share an experience. There’s no wrong interpretation. There’s no judgement. It’s out there for people to enjoy. They take what they want out of it and there’s no pressure. It’s a nice experience, it’s very similar to music in that respect. It’s a universal language. I’m a strong proponent of it and I try to encourage it in the community, and I think it can bring a lot of aesthetics and make for a healthy environment for everyone,” said Sherwood, adding art also supports tourism and the livelihoods of the artists.
The tour has a passport and map which shows where all the artists are located. The passport can be entered to win a $300 grand prize or one of two secondary prizes. To get a copy of the map and passport and to see the artists profiles visit www.DawsonTrailTreasures.ca. The tour will run from Sept. 16 to 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
