One of the many wonderful things about summer on Quadra is the Studio Tour where we get to check out some of the many artists and craftsfolk working right here on the island. Each year there are old favourites (who can say no to the fascinations of glass blowing?) as well as new and exciting offerings.

Its a great way to socialize with your fellow islanders and perhaps see new areas of Quadra as well.... we find it as much fun for those aspects as anything else.... and of course, it is a great way to entertain some of those endless summer guests!

Just as a reminder of the details, here is what Gordon James has had to say about this year's event:

"Quadra Island artists will be opening their studios to the public on June 7th and 8th for their sixth annual studio tour. The tour is a true community event where artists and artisans from many diverse backgrounds and areas of interest show their work. Local galleries, potters and painters, photographers and printmakers, a glass blower, a guitar maker, jewelers, First Nation carvers, sculptors and fabric artists all participate. Add to this many different approaches to each different medium there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Painting on the island greatly varies; still lives, landscapes, portraits and colour abstraction. As well, several art quilters will be showing work this year that explores new directions by pushing the traditional limits of quilting. They dye and stamp the fabrics they work with, and use embellishment, distortion and geometry in their compositions. Some quilts are as much about relief sculpture as quilting. Quadra also boasts many highly skilled potters whose work is also varied; some dark and earthy, some light and lyrical, and others quirky and humorous. Lovely etchings of small animals and birds will also be shown.

There will be a group show of all participating artists at the Quadra Island Community Centre as well as some individual exhibits. Refreshments and public washrooms will also be available there.

So come visit Quadra Island where artists love to show off their work and their island. The tour is a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with artists about their process and see their studio environments.

Tickets are $5 each (kids free) and are available at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, Campbell River Public Art Gallery, Quadra Tourist Information Booth and Hummingbird Office and Art supply on Quadra Island.

For more information on the Quadra Island Studio Tour or art on Quadra visit www.quadraislandarts.com or phone 285-3101. "