Red leather booth

I can’t think of a better way to spend an autumn weekend than strolling around a charming neighbourhood, kicking up leaves and getting to poke around in people’s houses and studios looking at art. (Okay, add some red wine into the mix and then it would be perfect.)

The Central Art Walk through Kitchener’s Midtown neighbourhood is a great chance to meet your neighbours (or someone’s neighbours), look at pretty things, talk to talented people and pick up something lovely to make your life sweeter. Mark your calendar for this weekend, October 19-20.

The tour offers up the works of 28 local artists including well-known local painters Jennifer Gough and nik harron as well fabric and glass artists, jewellery designers, wood carvers, photographers as well as mixed-media artists.

Multi-media piece by artist Jakki Annerino

Feel weird about walking into someone’s house or studio to look at their work? Don’t. The artists work hard to prepare for these shows and want to expose their work to as many people as possible. One of the event organizers and artists, Jakki Annerino says, “It gives us all an opportunity to sell our work and share our creativity with our friends, neighbours and visitors.”

My Undivided Attention by Jennifer Gough, a Central Art Walk artist

Jennifer Gough loves being a part of this event. “It gives me an opportunity to open the gallery to the public and creates a really nice personal experience,” she says. “I’ve found people love to visit artist’s studios and get a real sense of the creative process.”

Even if you don’t buy anything, the artists are really happy to show you what they do, answer your questions and get people talking about their work and inspire people to be creative.

Central Art Walk map

So bundle up, grab a friend and head to midtown for a nice self-guided tour through a talented neighbourhood. We could all use a little punch of creativity in our lives.

Have you ever been to a studio tour? What do you enjoy most?