The Newmarket Group of Artists (NGA) is hosting its 14th annual Art Walk and Studio Tour Oct. 1 and 2, offering attendees an engaging walkable event where they can check out original art in the historic heart of downtown Newmarket.
Back to its original pre-pandemic format, the free event offers visitors a chance to explore Newmarket’s beautiful downtown in a different way, says Robin Burnett, President of the NGA. “Artists, businesses and public buildings open their spaces for visitors to view some fantastic art in a variety of interesting spaces.” Along the way, attendees can enjoy the area’s shops, restaurants and cafes, she says. “It is so enjoyable to be able to experience art while enjoying a great cup of coffee or with a belly full of delicious food.”
Art Walk will feature 33 artists and one art collective in a variety of mediums, including jewellery, painting, photography, stained glass, ceramics and textiles. “We have a great mix of fabulous returning artists and new talent. Eighty percent of the artists are Newmarket residents and many of our visiting artists are local to York Region,” says Burnett, adding you’ll find a broad spectrum of styles ranging from realism to the abstract and from practical to decorative. “There is something for everyone!”
Instagram is one way to experience art, but it isn’t the same as seeing work in person and being able to fully experience the scale and texture of work, says Burnett. “As an artist, I love to meet people and discuss my work with them. As an art appreciator myself, I love the thrill of discovering a new artist, or seeing the latest creations from an artist that I have been following for years.” It’s the chance, she says, to take home a piece of original work from a local artist.
To make the most of the two-day event, Burnett suggests getting familiar with who is showing ahead of time. Attendees can visit the website at newmarketgroupofartists.org to see a digital copy of the brochure or scan the QR code on the Group’s postcard. There is also an Instagram site @newmarketawst for a sneak peak of the artists and their work. “Know which artists you are most interested in visiting first, so that you are sure to be one of the first to see their work, before things sell,” she says.
While there, be sure to leave yourself time to discover (or rediscover) a cool area of Newmarket. There’s the Farmers’ Market on Saturday at Riverwalk Commons, and plenty of places to fuel up on coffee, shop, grab some lunch or relax on a patio afterwards.
Parking can be found behind the Community Centre (200 Doug Duncan Drive), outside the Old Town Hall (460 Botsford St.), near the Peter Gorman Pool (424 D’Arcy St.) or along side streets near the artists’ studios. Public washrooms are available in the Old Town Hall and the Community Centre.
