Stinking Fish Studio Tour

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Having started the holiday season with a visit to the 13th Annual Gallery Walk, what better way to continue than following the fish signs to The Stinking Fish Studio Tour.

 

Now in it's 10th year, the tour takes you along the quiet roads and paths of rural Metchosin and East Sooke, about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria.

This year's tour is November 26th - 28th; the artists studios will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Spend a quiet November weekend meandering from studio to studio, perhaps stopping off at Albert Head, Witty's Lagoon or Devonian Park for some fresh air and a short walk down to the beach.  In addition, many farms along Metchosin Road are open year round.

When hungry, be sure to check out the legendary My Chosen Café. The food is definitely worth the drive and the wait.

Maps of the tour can be downloaded here.

Why "Stinking Fish"?

"In the 1840's, when explorer James Douglas asked the First Nations people of this region what they called the area now known as Metchosin, they answered
S-met-sho-sun, which literally means "stinking fish"."  from the Stinking Fish Studio Tour website.

It's a wonderful opportunity to meet with artists, discuss their recent work, and perhaps, take away that perfect Christmas gift.

Some personal favourites are Chiarina Loggia (@chiatweet on twitter) for her evocative explorations blending photography and print making, and Robin Hopper & Judi Dyelle internationally acclaimed potters.

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13th Annual Gallery Walk Victoria BC

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For some people, it is the plethora of craft fairs or musical events that signals the advent of the holiday season.

For me, it has traditionally been Gallery Walk - an evening in late November, hosted by seven downtown Victoria art galleries who open their collections for viewing.

This year's walk, the 13th annual, is Thursday November 25th from 3-7pm. Of note is the introduction of a "passport" which participants in the walk can get stamped for a chance to win one of seven art works donated by the galleries.

Participating galleries are:

  1. Legacy Art Gallery and Café 630 Yates Street
  2. Madrona Gallery 606 View Street
  3. West End Gallery 1203 Broad Street
  4. View Art Gallery 104-860 View Street
  5. Alcherina Gallery 665 Fort Street AlcView Art Gallery
  6. Winchester Galleries Modern 758 Humboldt Street
  7. Winchester Galleries 796 Humboldt Street

No matter your artistic tastes, there is something for everyone on the walk - from the fine tribal art by Northwest Coast, Aboriginal Australian, and Papua New Guinea artists at Alcheringa, to traditional west coast First Nations prints and jewellery at Legacy, beautiful oils depicting eastern Canadian landscapes at West End, established and emerging Canadian artists at Madrona, contemporary modern art (including new media) at View, a panoply of 20th century modern and abstract art at Winchester Modern and Canadian historical and contemporary art at Winchester.

Take some time after work to linger (or head) downtown, immerse yourself in art, stroll from gallery to gallery, and enjoy some festive refreshments.

 

 

 

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