Greater Sudbury's artistic community is extending an invitation
to take part in the 2006 Artist Studio Tour and check out some
of the works being created by 52 artists.
The free tour will take place Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday,
Oct. 1.
Ann Suzuki, chair of the studio tour and one of the
participating artists, said the tour is important to the
Sudbury arts community because it helps the public put a face
to the art.
"It allows people to meet the artist, recognize the artist, see the environment the artist works in. With the information in the tour guide, people can return to the studios anytime during the year," said Suzuki. "Bringing them together for just a weekend opens the door to a better relationship between the artists and the community.
One of the new faces on the tour this year is Bill Whittaker, a
retired Inco employee who worked in the copper smelter for 31
years. Whittaker does wood carvings of ducks, originally used
as decoys on hunting trips, and paintings of mother nature.
"I'm just looking forward to the tour," said Whittaker. His
art will be on display along with eight other artists at the
Fielding Memorial Park pavilion during the tour.
"I'm anxious to see how it works out and meet a lot of the
other artists, and people who appreciate the art. Usually I
just show out of my home, but this year I'll try it with the
studio tour."
In 1986, Whittaker was commissioned by the city to carve a
duck for Queen Elizabeth II, which was presented to her at a
ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the grand opening of
Science North.  
Whittaker was also commissioned by Ducks Unlimited to carve
50 ducks that were auctioned at banquets across Canada and the
United States.
Keep an eye out for stuidio tour guides at stores and restaurants throughout the city or drop by Black Cat Too to pick one up. For more information on the studio tour, visit www.scarf.ca .
