12th Annual Starry Night Studio & Gallery Tour
Photograph by Samantha Vessios
Article excerpt sourced from simcoe.com
Starry Night Studio tour returns to Orillia
Martin Melbourne
Orillia Today
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Orillia’s annual Starry Night Studio and Gallery Tour is back and boasting a bigger contingent of artists than ever.
Running from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Aug. 20 event offers an expanded number of participating galleries, says planning committee member Patti Agapi.
“This is the most venues we’ve had – there are 32,” said Agapi. “It is sort of encompassing the whole downtown now.”
The free, self-guided tour features works by more than 100 local and area artists, showcased in studios throughout the city’s core.
Streets are closed to traffic, allowing visitors to wander the historic business district unencumbered by traffic while also dropping into local restaurants for dinner if the mood strikes.
“You will see a ton of art in a short time period, and a lot of the artists are there to talk about their art,” added Agapi, also a participating artist and member of Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery and Studio.
The event’s growth since its inception 12 years ago reflects deepening support for the city’s burgeoning arts scene, Agapi adds.
“There are so many businesses that support local artists and show local art,” she said.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to enjoy live music provided by Beth McKean and Paul Court, Jeremiah Hill, Liz Hurtubise Anderson, and Jenni Lawrence.