Local Artists Featured in Markham 48 Tour
The fifth annual Markham 48 Studio Tour takes place Sept. 20 and 21 and features 20 artists from Stouffville, Ballantrae, Unionville and Markham.
A wide variety of artwork, including pottery, glass, jewellery, woodwork, photography and paintings, will be on display at 13 different locations. Visitors are invited to fill out a ballot at each studio for a chance to win a work by one of the participating artists. Admission is free.
Ballantrae sculptor Dean Axelson is among those taking part in this year’s tour. A retired veterinarian, he has lectured across North America on avian and exotic pet medicine and surgery, and has written five books on veterinary medicine and archaeology, which is another major source of interest to him.
After initially carving sculptures in wood and soapstone, he began experimenting with the various types of marble he discovered on his property in Bancroft. “I have had a fascination for nature all my life and this is just another way of expressing my love of nature in all its various aspects,” said Dean.
“I also have a great interest in rocks and minerals and carving them allows me to bring out the beauty of their structure and colour. Sculpting is a very creative and satisfying art form.” His work has won two first place awards in North York and Bancroft art shows.
Other Stouffville area artists taking part in this year’s tour are Deb Kirk, Florence Booth, Pippa Gingras and Douglas McGhie. For more information about the Markham 48 Studio Tour visit www.markham48studiotour.com or call 905- 472-1774 for a copy of the brochure and map guide.
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