Six art galleries are on this scenic outing in Peel, Dufferin and Wellington, each with their own "special charm and flavour."
Some of the artists will be there "working at their craft and ready to give demonstrations or answer questions," said Beryl Dawson of the Wellington Artists' Gallery and Art Centre.
"One will find all manner of media: painting, jewelry, printmaking, glass, photography, graphic arts, pastel, clay, mixed media, folk art, portraits, wood carving, fibre, metalwork, sculpture, etc."
Ideal for daytrippers is that nearby are "great restaurants, whether it be for a light lunch or an elegant dinner," and artists will recommend their favourite dining spots.
Here's where to savour an artistic getaway:
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Alton Mill in the Caledon Hills stands above the falls on the Credit River and is now a vibrant arts centre.
It features some 30 studio artists, galleries, heritage museum, cafe and specialty shops, said Jeremy Grant, who along with his brother Jordan, are co-owners of the mill.
The melding of thick stone walls and timber structure with modern architectural elements makes the mill a perfect venue for art lovers, he said.
Here's where to discover painters, potters and printmakers, a weaver and cabinet maker, jewelry, glass and textile artists, fair-trade gifts and galleries featuring contemporary Canadian and international art in an idyllic waterside setting.
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Beaux-Arts Gallery in Brampton has a main gallery and smaller cove gallery that welcome exhibitions by artists.
Shows range from solo and small groups to special events at the gallery that's a non-profit visual artist's co-operative.
The second floor is home to eight private working studios, showcasing art from a variety of media and is open to the public.
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Dragonfly "Arts on Broadway" in Orangeville has a wide selection of Canadian art and fine craft.
"Work from local artists who display their work on the walls in an ongoing rotation, create a new experience every time one visits," said Dragonfly's Joan Hope.
The Window on Broadway changes every two weeks while in the back, the studio artists can be found immersed in paint.
There's the recently opened Beads on Broadway to "watch the dazzling magic of glass bead-making."
Current exhibit is the Found Art with artists recycling, re-purposing and re-using such as jewelry made from an old silver tea set, a bag made from a tablecloth and funky animal silhouettes that were old oil tanks.
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Elora Centre for the Arts is in a restored, three-storey limestone school building in one of Ontario's most picturesque villages on the Grand River.
The centre is a focal point for imagination and encourages all forms of creative expression.
The newly formed Harris Collective displays the work of 30 visual artists from across Wellington and Waterloo Region, while the Minarovich Gallery has a frequently changing display.
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Wellington Artists' Gallery and Art Centre outside Fergus has exhibition space for up to 30 artists along with a gallery for special shows and workshops.
Located on a scenic country property, it has trails through the hardwoods to the edge of the wetlands "where artists go to sketch, do plein air painting or replenish their spirit by taking a leisurely walk in the bush," Dawson said.
Current guest artist is Valerie Cargo, a fine art photographer from Kincardine, who specializes in black-and-white photos.
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Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre is on the Credit River in Glen Williams.
The refurbished and renovated historical buildings house the studios of professional artists and provide services including picture framing, art classes and has a shop for collectible art.
Visitors have access to a "wide array of studios and galleries featuring creative works and crafts made by accomplished artists and craftspeople."
This is an "ideal destination" for a family outing because it enables children to see and experience art.
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Fox Trot:
- Watercolour artist Sue Goossens of Otterville will be among those featured at the Oakville Art Society's 45th annual show on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This outdoor show of original works is at Waterfront Heritage Park in Bronte with more than 150 artists and artisans showing their works.
There will be musical entertainment and a "licensed refreshment area," with admission $3. www.oakvilleartsociety.com; (905) 827-5711.
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If you go:
- Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St. W., Alton. Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mondays and Tuesdays, "by chance or appointment"; open holiday Mondays. www.altonmill.ca; (519) 941-9300.
- Beaux-Arts Gallery, 70-74 Main St. N., Brampton. Open Tuesday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.beaux-artsbrampton.com; (905) 454 5677.
- Dragonfly "Arts on Broadway," 189 Broadway, Orangeville. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days. www.dragonflyarts.ca; (519) 941-5249.
- Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St., Elora. Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays). www.eloracentreforthearts.ca; (519) 846-9698.
- Wellington Artists' Gallery and Art Centre, 6142 Wellington Rd. 29, RR 4 Fergus. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 to Nov. 13. www.wellingtonartistsgallery.ca; (519) 843-6303.
- Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre, 515 Main St., Glen Williams. Gallery hours: Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Studios: Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment. www.williamsmill.com; (905) 873-8203.
Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
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