About Us
The Studio Tour Today
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is an annual, self‑guided event offering free access to artists’ studios across Centre Wellington. Meet both emerging and established creators in their working environments – ranging from cozy basements to stand‑alone studios.
History & Evolution
The History of the Studio Tour
For nearly four decades, the Elora Fergus Studio Tour has celebrated the creative spirit of Centre Wellington. Operating for 38 years, it remains a vibrant fixture in our cultural calendar, offering residents and visitors a genuine connection with local artists.
The Studio Tour offers a unique opportunity for the public to experience artists’ studios firsthand, providing insight into their creative processes and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. This immersive experience continues to be a cherished tradition, connecting residents and visitors with the rich artistic heritage of Centre Wellington.
1986
Geoffrey Stevens and Linda Copp invited Elora and Salem artists to open their studios.
1987
The first studio tour took place on the weekend of October 3 & 4, 1987, showcasing 18 artists’ crafts, from painting and pottery to goldsmithing and sculpting.
1999
With the amalgamation of Elora and Fergus in 1999, the studio tour grew, helping define Centre Wellington’s vibrant arts scene.
2020
While the pandemic may have paused the studio tour itself, artists kept its spirit alive with a gallery show and sale held at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
Today
The studio tour continues to evolve, finding new ways to share the artistic process and bring fresh experiences to our visitors, while staying true to what has always defined the tour: celebrating creativity and making it accessible to all.
Our Legacy
The Story Behind the Tour
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour began as a grassroots initiative in 1986 when artists Geoffrey Stevens and Linda Copp collaborated to bring their vision to life. They reached out to artists and craftspeople in Elora and Salem, inviting them to open their studios to the public. Their efforts culminated in the inaugural tour held on October 3 and 4, 1987, featuring 18 artists and skills such as quilting, woodturning, pottery, glassmaking, basket making, painting, sculpture, goldsmithing, and more.
Over the years, the tour has evolved alongside the growing arts community in the region. Artists from the neighboring town of Fergus joined in, and as the towns of Elora and Fergus consolidated in 1999 to form the Township of Centre Wellington, the tour expanded its reach to include artists from the entire township. This expansion helped establish Centre Wellington as a vibrant hub for the arts.
While the tour has remained a mainstay in the local cultural calendar, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a temporary halt to the event in the fall of 2020. However, the spirit of the tour remained strong, and a gallery show and sale was held at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Additionally, 10 artists participated in the Elora Fergus Art in the Open event, keeping the connection with the public alive despite the challenges of the time.
For nearly four decades, the Elora Fergus Studio Tour has been a highlight of Centre Wellington’s arts scene. After 38 years, it’s still going strong, offering both locals and visitors a chance to meet local artists and see their work up close. The tour has grown over the years, featuring a wide range of art forms and helping to build a strong sense of community. It continues to play an important role in celebrating the area’s vibrant arts culture
