NANAIMO FEDERATION OF CANADIAN ARTISTS (FCA)
Ladysmith Art Tour
From all reports, everyone had a fun day, starting with an amazing lunch at The Wild Poppy Bistro – yummy, sensible (some vegan and gluten free) food, reasonable prices, as well as a bakery case filled with all kinds of tempting goodies.
Our first tour stop was at Mary Fox Pottery, where Mary explained her innovative decorative designs and tableware as she walked us through her studio. Next, at Maritime Blues Fabric Designs, Daphne Neumann-Hurley demonstrated how she prepares her hand carved blocks to produce beautiful table runners, tea towels, pillow covers and other fabric items. We all left with one of her fun fabric bookmarks. Some left with purchases. At Crystalline Vortex Pottery Studio and Gallery, we were met by the cheerful owner who explained his process for his unique designs. To round out the planned stops, The Waterfront Gallery had on display an exhibition of artwork done by the members of the Nanaimo Arts Council.
With maps indicating other studios, we were then free to explore on our own. Some revisited Ladysmith for a walking tour of the town. Me? I returned to the bistro for cheesecake and brownies. Yum!
Submitted by Joanie Miller
