Arts Trail 15th Anniversary

The PEC Arts Trail celebrated its 15th Anniversary in April with the launch of its 2022 season, its new bilingual Arts Trail Guide and Map, redesigned English and French websites, the addition of new artist studios and multi-artist gallery members, and a host of new strategic partners.

Launched in 2008 by local business owners, artists and curators in partnership with Taste the County (the destination marketing organization at the time), this self-guided tour connects art lovers, buyers and collectors with professional creators and curators in unique single-artist studios and contemporary, multi-artist galleries throughout The County. Offering inspiring artworks in a range of price points and media, visitors can discover incredible works of art in all mediums. In addition, Arts Trail locations host openings, lectures, demonstrations, events, workshops, concerts and other artistic offerings throughout the year. 

The new bilingual 28-page Arts Trail Guide is also bigger and better than ever. Designed by The Vaughan Group, the guide includes a map of Arts Trail locations, plus full-page bilingual listings with contact information, descriptions and photographs of the artists, artwork, studio and galley spaces that one can expect to find at each participating location.

The 2022 Arts Trail guide’s cover features a painting titled Solitudes in the Sand by artist Andrew King. The acrylic on canvas painting is of a whimsical airstream camper parked on a white sandy beach with a deep blue lake and cloudless blue sky in the background. Influenced and inspired by where he grew up, his travels and Prince Edward County (where his parents live), Andrew’s work evokes both humour and emotion through minimalism, lighting and colour. Andrew King is represented by Mad Dog Gallery – a founding member of the Arts Trail in 2008.

“The Arts Trail is an important program that helps support and grow professional artists and arts businesses in Prince Edward County and contributes to the overall cultural fabric of the community,” says Tara Wilkinson, Chair of the PEC Arts Trail, and co-owner of ANDARA Gallery. “We are thrilled to welcome Art.Wagon, Bark Woodshop and Studio, Hatch Gallery and GRACE Studio … who join our long-standing member studios and galleries in offering visitors beautiful works of art in inspiring settings.”   

“The PEC Arts Trail has grown to become a year-round, must-do signature experience for tens of thousands of visitors to this beautiful creative island community,” says Janna Smith, Executive Director of the Prince Edward County Arts Council. “We’re thrilled to work alongside the Arts Trail’s professional artist and gallery members to support the program and expand opportunities for members and visitors alike”.

Visitors can plan their visit along the PEC Arts Trail by downloading the new bilingual Arts Trail Guide and Map from the English or French websites at www.artstrail.ca …  or by picking up a copy of the Guide throughout The County including at all Arts Trail member locations, The County’s Information Kiosks, wineries, libraries and other major points of interest. For current news and events, follow the PEC Arts Trail on social media: Facebook (PECartstrail) and Instagram (#PECartstrail).