Visitors are invited to take a journey with participants in the 12-40 and Beyond, An Adventure in Rural Life, self-guided tour July 28 and 29.
This enthusiastic group is hosting its 10th annual tour and attributes its popularity to the diversity of venues and scenery as visitors can travel through Hafford, Blaine Lake, Marcelin and Leask as well as the scenic wooded hills of Lac La Peche, Martin's Lake and Emerald Lake.
A challenge this year will be the detour for visitors travelling to Lac La Peche as the main access grid from Highway 12 is flooded causing a re-routing of traffic to General Store Memories. Harder's Traditional Crafts located at a cabin at Lac la Peche will be relocating its venue to Pop's Old Forge near Marcelin.
Brochures featuring a red elevator on a white background can be found at most businesses in these communities and surrounding areas as well as online (www.12-40andbeyond.com). The route will be visibly marked with bright red elevators the weekend of the tour.
"We are so excited to be celebrating such a milestone," commented Doreen Kalmakoff, one of the original founders of the group. "The tour offers a variety of wares designed and produced by local artisans, or grown in the area or hold historic value of the area."
Visitors on the tour will have an opportunity to visit a variety of venues. Heavenly Hills Orchard is tucked in the hills south of Blaine Lake and offers a number of varieties of Saskatoon berries either as U-pick or pre-pick options.
Petrofka Bridge Orchard is located near the North Saskatchewan River and offers a glimpse into the apple orchard industry. The Noels offer apple cider, dehydrated apple slices and apple cider vinegar as well as a selection of fresh fruit and produce from local growers.
The community of Hafford has two venues with three participants displaying their wares. Sylvia Ruedger produces garden spirits and whimsical pieces that can complement your decor either indoors or out. Most of her stained glass designs are original pieces exclusive to her. Donna Thompson has pursued her passion with stitches and colour. Designing and creating, Donna has worked in many mediums and techniques producing doilies, cross-stitch pictures, fishermen knit sweaters, teddy bears, table runners and quilts.
The second Hafford venue displays the photographic works of Christine Watson. Her lifelong love of photography as an art medium has inspired her to work at a professional level. Her studio displays her studio and outdoor photography.
Artist Joan Balla prefers to capture old farm buildings, landscapes and wildlife on canvas. The scenic setting of her country studio inspires her to create beautiful paintings in oil or acrylic. Joan's husband, Les, does a complementary job of framing her paintings, sometimes using old barn wood.
Connie Leask of Marcelin has re-joined the group offering a variety of handmade leather products such as slippers, mitts, chaps, tack and more.
Marion McGurguin operates Maristone and creates jewellery with natural gemstones. Each handcrafted item is unique and original in colour, shape and design and is created to flatter you. Custom orders are accepted and designed to complement your style and flare.
Doreen Kalmakoff's Spirit of the Prairie Art and Teaching Studio is situated between Blaine Lake and Marcelin and is well known to many visual and mosaic artists. Doreen offers classes year-round and has also taught in a number of communities and schools. Doreen's mediums range from walls and canvas to tables and bird baths, always professional and functional pieces of art. Guests are welcome to enjoy the shady lawn, tubs of colourful flowers and view the many outdoor mosaic murals on buildings and sidewalks.
There are fabric artists within the group who specialize in a variety of techniques. Florence Cheveldayoff's display, Fascinating Fabrics, focuses on bags, batiks and seasonal pieces in a variety of unique fabrics. Pat Wasylkowski, of Denim Creations Made by Pat, has become well-known for her perfected technique of recycling denim. Denim/fleece slipper moccasins, oven mitts, bags and purses plus lots more are available at her Marcelin site.
Pop's Old Forge, east of Marcelin, is home to blacksmith Hubert Smith. Hubert and Alice welcome guests to their workshop and take pride in sharing the art of blacksmithing. Hubert not only teaches the art but also designs and creates functional and ornamental pieces. Harder's Traditional Crafts will set up its wares at this venue as well. It is the place to be to witness the fine art of weaving. Three generations of weavers produce a beautiful variety of products from the loom and are available for sale.
Nikihknan Crafts on the shore of Emerald Lake displays the team effort of Buck and Sandy Lafond. They combine their talents to showcase their aboriginal ancestry. They work with wood, hide, leather and other natural materials to create a variety of decorative and useful objects.
General Store Memories, Museum and Antiques is a two-story building offering items for sale and on display from days gone by. The main floor contains antiques and collectibles including glassware, jewelry, tins, calendars, toys, coins, books and tools. The second floor preserves local heritage depicting the lifestyles of the last century. Unique gift items abound in this setting.
It is a weekend of sites, scenes and fun. It is an opportunity to see a diverse selection of art and enjoy some refreshments at the orchards. Be sure to grab a brochure and venture out. You never know what you will find or who you will meet.
