Aylmer Artist Opens Studio and Heart for Elgin County Studio Tour Chris Dancey’s studio, nestled on the family farm at 51301 Wolleyville Line in Aylmer, is more than a workspace; it’s a reflection of a life lived with creativity, resilience and intention. As the owner of Art, Heart & Health Studio and Gallery, Chris is one of 20 artists participating in this year’s Elgin County Studio Tour, taking place on September 27 and 28. The free, self-guided tour invites the public into artists’ studios across the region, where they can meet the makers and see where the magic happens. For Chris, this year felt like the right time to open her doors. “It was a hard decision,” she shares. “I’m a reclusive person by nature, but this year just feels different. I decided to open both my studio and gardens, and it feels right.” Her gardens, inspired by Hugelkultur techniques and bursting with colour, are an extension of her artistic vision. Chris holds an honours degree in Fine Art from the University of Guelph and studied at universities in Manitoba and Calgary. Her artistic journey has taken her across continents, from silk dyeing under a master connected to Japan’s Living Treasures program to exhibiting in Stuttgart’s planetarium. Her current work combines sculpture and painting in highly tactile, mixed-media pieces that incorporate and repurpose hubcaps, 78 RPM records, and even old 45s. “I love working in three dimensions. It’s satisfying. I work with papier-mâché, found objects, whatever speaks to me.” Visitors to her studio will also find a passion for education. Although she hasn’t taught recently, her love of learning and sharing knowledge remains strong. “I used to teach everywhere HIGHLAND PHARMACY
— from the London Regional Art Gallery to my home. If people asked, I’d probably start again.” One of Chris’ favourite exercises involved what she calls the ‘cosmic blob’ technique. She explains: “I’d tell students to trust the cosmic blob. We’d drop black ink onto paper, spray it with water, and then go for lunch. When we came back, they’d look at the shapes until they felt something they wanted to bring out.” Two other artists are on the tour in Aylmer; Judy Mennill and Rosemary Carter, both at 51200 Vienna Line. Together with Chris, they represent the town’s vibrant creative community. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or a curious visitor, the Elgin County Studio Tour is a rare opportunity to step inside the hearts and minds of local artists and perhaps take a piece of that inspiration home. For more information on the tour, you can go to www.elgincountystudiotour.ca.
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