Elora Fergus Studio Tour returns this autumn
ELORA – The Elora Fergus Studio Tour returns this fall with new artists and a new Fergus Hub location.
Art lovers are invited to experience creativity where it begins, officials say, as the tour opens artists’ working studios over two weekends: Sept. 26 to 27 and Oct. 3 to 4, from 10am to 5pm each day.
This year, the tour, which is free and self-guided, welcomes new participating artists. Also new in 2026, the Fergus Hub provides visitors with one convenient place to discover fresh creative voices alongside established artists, officials say.
The new Fergus hub is in the butterfly garden at St. James Anglican Church, at 171 Queen St. E. in Fergus.
On tour weekends, visitors can step inside the studios of talented emerging and established artists throughout Elora, Fergus, and the surrounding countryside.
From painting, pottery and sculpture to glass, fibre, photography, encaustic, jewelry and mixed media, each stop offers a chance to meet the artists, learn about their creative process and purchase original artwork directly from the makers.
Anne MacGregor is excited to join this year’s studio tour as one of the many new artists.
“Art has always been a huge part of my life. I am best in the morning with coffee and a well-lit room,” she said.
She describes her modern contemporary jewelry designs as simple, edgy and just off the beaten path.
Brian Price is a new guest artist who will be in the Fergus Hub along with other artists this year.
“He was 61 when he picked up watercolour and wonders why it took him so long,” officials say. “It is never too late, right?”
Returning member Lorraine McDonald, a watercolour and drawing artist, said, “My studio is bright and cheerful with lots of light. It looks very much like a working space, a creative mess.”
She always has tea and ginger cookies nearby and says her garden is a big inspiration and she loves to see the changes in colour and light.
“I want people to feel a sense of joy and warmth in my work. The world needs calm,” said McDonald.
The Studio Tour begins with the annual Launch Celebration on Sept. 17 at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
Guests can preview artwork from the 29 participating artists, meet members of the tour and celebrate the start of one of Centre Wellington’s most anticipated cultural events, officials say.
There are paper maps of the tour locations, or maps can be downloaded on the toureka! app.
“Connections are part of the magic,” said studio tour committee member Nancy Ariss, whose studio is also on the tour.
“Artists love meeting the public and the public now has the ability to meet the artists.”
Elora Fergus Studio Tour officials thanked this year’s sponsors for their “generous support,” which “makes this celebration of local artists and creativity possible.”
