More than 30 artists are participating in the Stouffville Studio Tour, which takes place Oct. 18 and 19.

This year’s event will showcase the work of four new participants: a woodturning artisan, a stoneware potter who also makes ceramic jewellery, and two visual artists working in watercolour, acrylics, charcoal and pastels. Returning artists include Dianne Green, whose vibrant and beautiful acrylics depict aboriginal myths and legends, and Sue Carstairs, who specializes in pastel and graphite portraits of both wild and domestic animals.

Overall, the tour offers a wonderful and eclectic variety of work by talented local painters, potters, jewellers and glass artists, many located in the downtown area of Stouffville and all within easy driving distance. The tour artists’ work is also featured on a regular basis at For Love of Jo coffee house on Main Street.

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Stained glass artist Laureen Lucas participated in the tour for the first time last year, and was delighted with the response. “I had just started up the business the year before that, but I didn’t know what to expect. I had a great time.” As a result of the tour, she landed some custom design work, including a beautiful window panel for a cottage and a fixed panel above a fireplace.

I’m always trying to come up with different ideas,” said Laureen, who designed some beautiful window ‘corners’ that can be used to frame the top of almost any size of window and create a beautiful play of light and colour. “I spent 20 plus years in graphic arts and design and I have been doing stained glass for about 20 years.”

In addition to her custom pieces, Laureen makes a wide variety of items including lamps, cabinet door inserts, light panels, mirrors, mosaics and sun-catchers. She will be offering courses in stained glass this fall at her Second Street Studio.

Established eight years ago, the Stouffville Studio Tour has become a major attraction for art lovers from across the region. Visitors are invited to enter a free draw at each location as an added incentive to visit as many studios as possible.

For more information visit www.stouffvillestudiotour.com or pick up a brochure and map downtown.

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