News from Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery

Hello from Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery! Last June we opened the Gallery, located steps from downtown Bracebridge. Working in a variety of mediums, my paintings reflect my love of nature and my concern for the environment. The intimate studio gallery also features work by other Muskoka artists who draw their inspiration from the natural world.
When our gardens are in bloom, you can stroll the property to enjoy the view and you could encounter some of our backyard wildlife. If you’re lucky you may meet the deer who frequently visit us in the summer or, Gustav the Great, our giant neighbourhood groundhog.

Spring has finally arrived!

A few days ago, I saw my first robin so spring must be here – mustn’t it? It’s been quite the winter in Muskoka with Environment Canada reporting we received a whopping 14 feet of the white stuff. Our heron sculpture survived the winter and the walkway to the front door has finally cleared.

News from My Studio
Last year, I participated in several group shows throughout Muskoka and beyond. Two of them were held at the Algonquin Park Visitor’s Centre Gallery. Then three of my paintings were part of the Bracebridge Brown Baggers’ painting group exhibit at the Visitors Centre that closed on April 24.

Another one of my acrylics, was included in the Muskoka YWCA show held at the Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge during Women’s History month and in recognition of International Women’s Day. Opening on the same day, at the Orillia Museum of Art and History, my painting Genesis (cow and calf Humpback Whales), was part of the Connections show. This was OMAH’s 42nd Annual International Women’s Art Exhibit. This show finishes April 13.

I’m thrilled to announce Muskoka Life Magazine will be featuring my work in the upcoming June edition. You’ll be able to pick up a copy throughout Muskoka.

For the month of July, I’ll have work at the Muskoka Tourism office on Hwy 11 northbound, and south of Gravenhurst. Then in August, my paintings will be on display at the Baysville Public Library.

Local businesses are generous in their support of our artist community. Oliver’s Coffee and Unique Muskoka, both located on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge provide opportunities for me to display a few paintings for sale. As well, Tea Infusion and Momma Bear’s Ice Cream carry a selection of my blank greeting cards. And when you’re driving north on Hwy 11, you can pick up my cards at Muskoka Tourism.

What’s on the Easel?
I’m currently working on an acrylic painting for a small local show being held in June. The inspiration is Bracebridge’s Wilson Falls.

After that I’m planning a series using more sculptural effects on canvas. One of the paintings from the East Central Ontario Art Association show in Algonquin Park featured a central tree created from tissue paper and acrylic medium. I enjoyed the process of building up layers to make the tree and want to experiment more with this technique.

What’s Happening in the Gallery?

Returning Artists:
Soon the sun porch will be filled with the lustrous, stained glass creations of artist, Maureen Haines. In addition to traditional styles, Maureen incorporates found objects in her designs – snowshoes, plates, perfume bottles, family heirloom objects. Her glass-work presents a bright and inviting entry to Heron’s Nest.

Inside, you’ll discover the inspired, hand-crafted furniture by artisan, Conel O’Regan. The wood used in his pieces are collected from dead-fall on his Bracebridge property. He allows the wood to speak to him and keeps the natural aspects of the forest alive in each design.

In 2018, Pat J. Whittle displayed a couple of her luscious encaustic paintings but this year we’ll have more of her free form, colourful work. Nothing holds Pat back from expressing her vision. She’s always prepared to try something new and bravely approaches every painting with an open mind and enthusiasm. Pat works in encaustic, oil, acrylic and mixed media.

I’ve added a selection of Limited Edition, Giclee Prints on Fine Art Watercolour Paper to my paintings in Acrylic, Oil, Watercolour and Chinese Ink. Heron’s Nest always has a good supply of my paintings on blank greeting cards as well.

New Artists
We’re excited to welcome two new artists to Heron’s Nest this year.

Blacksmith Artisan Deb Harkness brings her expressive metal work to the gallery. More than eleven years ago, Deb traded in her nine to five job for an anvil and hammer and moved to Muskoka. “I finally found the medium where I can express myself to the fullest,” she says.

Years ago, Henrike Clement learned the craft of porcupine quillwork from an aboriginal artist. Since then, she’s developed her own designs inspired by the natural world. Most of the materials used in her boxes and other products are found in the woods around her home.

We will also be carrying the one-of-a-kind beaded necklaces by artist, Bev McMullen. Each one is a conversation starter! There’ll be a photo in the next newsletter.

Events
We plan to hold many special events throughout the summer and fall including artist demonstrations. Watch for those in the next newsletter.

Something New for Art Lovers!

ARTrail Muskoka PURPLE BANNER
Last fall local artist, Bonnie Bews, came to me with an idea of promoting more Muskoka artists to the public. A small group of us gathered to discuss a way to make this happen. We borrowed a concept from artists on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia and ARTrail Muskoka PURPLE BANNER was born.

We’ve drawn together 67 regional artists to create a year-round, self-guided art tour for the public with the publication of a full-colour brochure listing the participating art studios and artist run galleries. The brochure is arranged by areas with a map that provides each business location. Our pamphlets can be picked up throughout Muskoka.
Each Art Studio / Artist-run gallery will display a Purple Banner placed in front of their location when they are open.

For more information visit www.ARTrailMuskoka.ca, Facebook page, Instagram or emailartrailmuskoka@gmail.com or call 705-205-0119.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or are planning a visit at 705-646-3663. I expect to be open most weekends throughout the summer and into the fall but suggest you call ahead to confirm.

When Heron’s Nest is open, the PURPLE BANNER will be flying outside the gallery.

News from the Nest is published bi-monthly, so you won’t be bombarded with posts. ~ Wendie

Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery
Where art and nature meet!

info@wendiedonabie.com
www.WendieDonabie.com