By Angela Hawn.

One need only look at the plethora of annual studio tours, craft shows, galleries and art shops in Hastings County to know that there is plenty of talent out there. These clever and innovative artists and artisans come from all walks of life, some of them born and bred in the area, others are happy to call Hastings County their new home. And lovers of the arts are happy to welcome them. Thinking of setting off on your own art tour? Here are just a few ideas to help get you started. 

By Lindi Pierce - The road heads north through the Cambrian Shield landscape, snaking around wetlands, climbing over rocky outcrops, past ancient maples and pine plantations. 

By Victor Schukov - Born in Tomsk, Siberia, which is a university town of over 500,000 people, Antonia Vassilieva-Durham emigrated from her homeland at the age of 44, with a Ph.D. in microbiology, and extensive experience in the field of agricultural development by bio-technology. 

By Barry Penhale- Since 1994, a charming sprawling building, known to many as the Houston House, has been adapted to serve as home to the Tweed & Area Heritage Centre. Here, all in one can be found: an information bureau, art gallery, museum, and archives. Annual visitors to this fascinating complex find themselves warmly greeted by one of Ontario’s best informed and most dedicated heritage advocates — the site’s genial curator Evan Morton. 

By Shelley Wildgen - “If we line ‘em up in the banks, it’ll be amaaaaazing!” So my dear friend Susan said while prying a bedraggled, tinsel strewn tree off of its frozen landing-pad. We were strolling the wintry Belleville streets a week or so after the Christmas of ’72. Susan was a born leader. 

By John Hopkins - In my last column I had indicated that we had adopted a dog, but my terminology might not have been completely accurate. Oh, she sleeps in our house, eats her meals here and torments our cats (for the most part unintentionally) but really we are just the current custodians of her. She in fact belongs to the whole community.