No one really knows how long the Fringe Tour has been going on.
Ron Langin, this year’s featured artist on the tour, said some members of the “core group” thought about telling the community it was their 50th anniversary, but decided against it, since many of the artists aren’t even that old themselves.
The Fringe Tour began sometime after the Sudbury Arts Tour began, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
“We were all part of the original studio tour, and for various reasons, we decided we would strike out on our own and take a different creative direction,” Langin said.
Since its inception some 15 to 20 years ago, the tour has picked up more “barnacles,” or artists that have attached themselves to the tour. About 20 artists who create all sorts of visual arts are on the tour.
Heather Topp, who would be the tour’s official organizer if they believed in titles, said there’s “a good cross-section of work” on the tour, including photography, quilting, jewelry, pottery, stain glass, and prints.
Danielle Fraser, the tour’s newest barnacle, said she became involved with “the tribe” after being a shopper at the tour.
Fraser said she was drawn to the Fringe Tour because it “is a little bit more ‘edgy’ and ultra-creative.”
Sudbury artists Danielle Fraser. Photo by Jenny Jelen
“I enjoyed the environment, and I did feel part of a larger community,” she said.
The mixed-media artist, who uses uses paper, oil, acrylic and words, said she’s looking forward to her tour debut.
“As a northern artist, your opportunities are really self-made,” she said. “You have to work hard and get out there and check your fear at the door and ask for help and ask to be part of things.”
While the tour gives artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work, many of them agree that they do it because of the sense of community.
Marlies Schoenefeld, a mixed-media artist who’s been involved in the tour for a while, said she likes the tour’s atmosphere. “I feel as if we’re a family,” she said. “You are not standing out there alone in your home or in your studio.”
Even though a number of the Fringe artists began working with the Sudbury Arts Tour, they agreed there is no hard feelings between the two tours. Since they take place on the same weekend, Langin said they even promote each other.
“We’ve always tried to be complimentary,” he said. “We hand out brochures for the Studio Tour.”
Topp added that by working together, it shows “that we have a hugely strong arts community here. Everybody knows everybody,” she said. “It’s really good to promote each other. It really shows that Sudbury’s thriving.”
The Fringe Tour takes place from Sept. 24 to 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at Topp’s studio located at 276 Cedar St. There is no admission fee, and art is available for purchase.
