The artistic talent of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows was on full display on Mother’s Day weekend as dozens of local artists pulled on their best artwork for the 2024 Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Art Studio Tour.
Celebrating its 24th anniversary, the studio tour included 27 different studio stations throughout the two cities.
Thousands of people filtered through the various studios on May 11 and 12, with some locations hosting a single artist and others gathering the artwork of multiple people.
One of the multi-artist locations included the art studio tour chair Tracy Quinsey, and board members Raeanne Schachter, Theo Carson, and Samantha Crowe.
@tiktokwithtucker Every one of these artists was incredibly sweet and incredibly talented. #mapleridge #pittmeadows #artistsoftiktok #artists #artexhibition #supportlocalartists ♬ Hell N Back (feat. Summer Walker) - Bakar
Crowe, who runs the social media for the art studio tour, said that this was only her second year participating in the annual event, but explained that she’s already seen the incredible value it brings to the community.
“I think it’s important to have opportunities like this for artists because not only does it incorporate an artists community but it also incorporates the community in general,” said Crowe.
She said that she’s met multiple people who are budding artists but might not have yet taken the leap to fully explore their craft.
“There’s people out there who are artists but don’t know it,” said Crowe. “For those people who need that little bit of inspiration, they can find it with us.”
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A newcomer to the tour this year was Maple Ridge artist Sharon Ferreira, who is a member of the Garibaldi Art Club.
Ferreira put miniatures of her signature watercolour paintings up for sale, which she said gave people a chance to take home some local artwork without spending a fortune.
“To be able to take home a little nugget of that original piece of art, or even a print or a card, I find it’s just so special,” said Ferreira.
READ MORE: Artists open doors for unique annual tour
Anyone interested in participating in next year’s Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Art Studio Tour can contact the board at www.artstudiotour.ca.
