Why not add the Merrickville Studio Tour to your early fall ramblings as Eastern Ontario adopts its bright fall palette? If you have always been intrigued by art, the tour gives you a perfect chance to watch artists at work, explore their latest creations, and maybe take a locally crafted piece home to brighten your space. Stop by and discuss all things art with working artists, gain a glimpse into their creative process, and maybe become inspired.
The Merrickville Artists Guild, or MAG as it is locally called, will hold its 2026 Studio Tour on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 from 10am until 5pm. An opening event to meet the artists will be held on Wednesday, September 30 from 6:30–8:30pm at The Boathouse Café at 646 River Road.
This year’s event will feature 24 artists working in a variety of media, from painting, woodworking, ironwork and fibre art to jewellery-making, sculpture and glassworks. The tour has been a tradition in the Village of Merrickville for over 41 years, and has expanded to feature artists in some of the surrounding communities to broaden exposure to these participants as well as ensuring that we all benefit from the intriguing art being made right here in our area.
The locations of the artists will be varied… a working artist’s busy studio, a picturesque outdoor garden, or a historical building. They will be spread across 13 locations in Merrickville, Burritts Rapids and neighbouring communities within a ten-minute drive. Below is a glimpse of the artists and their settings.
The converted Methodist and United church in Burritt’s Rapids (25 Centre St.), which is a now privately owned residence, was built in 1855 and decommissioned in 1974. In 1899, a bell tower was added, complete with a bell that still rings when the owner is feeling so inclined! Three artists will be set up in the church studio. Jayne Couch Molony, classically trained in oil painting, will display works in oil along with her drawings. She will be joined by Kenna McCall, a jewellery designer and gem cutter, who will have her one-of-a-kind pieces. Finally, Lorraine Delangis is a CPI fabric sculptor who will showcase her unique sculptures for display, indoors or outdoors.
The Blockhouse, situated beside the canal in downtown Merrickville (279 St. Lawrence St.), was built strong enough to withstand cannon fire and big enough to house troops. It is the largest of four along the Rideau Canal. Stop by the now-museum and read about the 200 years of Rideau Canal history while you check out the work of five MAG artists. Irene Chahley is a jewellery designer and fibre artist who transforms reimagined, repurposed jewellery and fibre products into unique new pieces. Alexandra Halkett, a painter in watercolour, oil and acrylic, will feature her latest landscapes of coastal areas and mountains. Gwen Marx is a coloured pencil artist who creates detailed works of wildlife. Elaine Comeau creates colourful, sometimes whimsical, acrylic paintings, mixed media works and sculpture. Finally, Emily Scholfield paints colourful works in acrylic and mixed media with rich textures and vibrant colours.
The Rideau Ramble (7210 Burritt’s Rapids Road) is a unique setting of forests and garden walks and is always a popular stop on the Studio Tour. There you will find David Dunn with his acrylic paintings of wildlife, birds, woods, and gardens. He will be joined by Marje Fletcher, an oil and watercolour painter of nature. Carrie Keller, a seasoned oil painter who currently paints nature and animals, will also be displaying her works.
The Boathouse Cafe (646 River Road), a bright setting across from the Burritt’s Rapids lock, will host Mary Loos who creates vibrant acrylic scenes of landscapes and forests.
The Maureen McAuliff Art Gallery and Studio (106 Patrick Street) will host three MAG artists. Maureen McAuliff is an acrylic and mixed media artist who paints colourful, emotional works. Shane Belanger is a blacksmith and sculptor creating works from recycled steel, metal, and local woods. Posy Bennett creates landscapes in oils and acrylic art designs.
The Gather Brewery and Glassworks (635 St. Lawrence Street) is a brew pub and working studio for Michael Gray, a traditional glassblower, and Karen Reece, a glass and lamp work artisan.
LbL Art Gallery (905b St. Lawrence Street) will host August Wormitt, who will display her contemporary and lively watercolours.
Several artists will also open their studios for visitors. Rick Beatty (508 Main Street East) is a fine woodworker who repurposes, reclaims, and reuses wood to create his sculptures. Maria Doef (664 McCrea Road) produces clay, plaster, and cast concrete sculptures for indoors and outdoors. Laura Kingsbury (217 Brock Street East) is an acrylic painter who produces dramatic, colourful landscapes. Scott Parker, (718 St. Lawrence Street) is a watercolour artist who describes his work as abstract expressionism. Monique Perras (438 County Road 23, Burritt’s Rapids) is an acrylic painter focusing on expressive landscape works. Gina Purnell (329 Main Street East) is a stained glass artist who vividly captures nature.
A map of the studio tour is available at merrickvilleartistsguild.ca. Maps are also available throughout Merrickville, surrounding towns and Ottawa in businesses and other public spaces. Follow the Merrickville Artists Guild on Facebook and Instagram for more details of the Studio Tour and other upcoming MAG events.