The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, today released the first ever Studio Tour Map prepared for Prince Edward Island.
"The purpose of the Studio Tour Map is to provide Islanders and visitors with a self-guided tour of studios, shops, museums and galleries during our fall shoulder season," says Minister MacKinnon. "The Studio Tour map contains detailed information about the businesses including their addresses, products, hours of operation and directions to their locations."
Minister MacKinnon noted that this is the first time that the province has had a studio tour of the craft shops, galleries, museums, and studios. "We contacted potential participants by mail and through advertising and are pleased that more than 70 artisans, seven co-ops and guilds from Alberton to Souris have chosen to participate in the Studio Tour Map."
Business participation was key to the successful production of the Studio Tour Map. The business partners will participate in the Studio Tour weekend planned for October 2nd and 3rd, 1999 from 10 am to 6 pm each day. The Studio Tour will have special red 'PEI Studio Tour' balloons and signs to direct the buying public to their establishments.
"People are genuinely interested to see how crafts are made, and the Studio Tour Map will help increase visitors' and Islanders' connections to our diverse artisan community," says Minister MacKinnon. During the special weekend in October, most studios will offer demonstrations in their art or craft including quilting, water colours, acrylics, print making, baskets, weaving, caning, pottery, knitting, stained glass, wrought iron, jewellery, silk screening, batik, violin making, rug braiding, rug hooking and wood turning. The map also lists the dates for the various craft fairs that are planned for this year.
Minister MacKinnon adds that the Studio Tour Map will show the locations of 30 popular bird watching sites in the province which bird watchers can enjoy. "These sites are noted on the map making it easy for bird watchers to find potential bird watching locations. The Studio Tour map will help to promote the art and craft industry in the province, thereby increasing awareness of these small businesses that create jobs for Islanders," said the Minister.
The Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism, is very supportive of the creation of the craft industry map. "This communication tool will be an excellent addition to our existing library of brochures made available to the public. Our department is very pleased to provide distribution of the maps through the Visitor Information Centres across the Island."
Copies of the Studio Tour Map will be available at any of the Visitor Information Centres, Regional Services Centres or by contacting Joan Auld, Craft Development Officer, Department of Development (902)368-4799.