New to the Uxbridge Studio Tour? Welcome! The Tour is free and self-guided, which means there are no tickets, no set route and no right or wrong place to start. With more than 50 artists at 21 studio locations across Uxbridge and the surrounding countryside, you simply choose the artists and studios you'd like to visit and explore at your own pace.
Not sure where to begin? That's what this guide is for. We'll help you choose your must-see artists, plan a route, find your way between studios and leave plenty of time for food, scenery and a little exploring along the way.Step 1 - Decide What You Want to See
With more than 50 artists at 21 studio locations, you can't possibly see everything in one day, and that’s okay! The best Studio Tour days leave plenty of time to explore the art, chat with the artists and enjoy the journey between stops.
Start by browsing our Artist Lineup and make note of the artists or types of art you really want to see. You might be drawn to painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodworking or something completely unexpected. Remember that many Studio Artists also welcome Guest Artists, so a single stop can introduce you to several artists and very different kinds of work.
Not sure who to choose? No problem. You can also start with a part of Uxbridge you’d like to explore or choose one of our curated routes and let us do the planning for you.
Step 2 - Plan Your Uxbridge Studio Tour Route
Once you’ve picked a few artists you don’t want to miss, it’s time to connect the dots. Check our Uxbridge Studio Tour map to see where their studios are located and build a route that makes sense for your day.
Want to keep things simple? Explore the Tour by area:
- South Studios - A great place to start if you’re coming from Stouffville, Markham, Toronto or elsewhere in the GTA, with plenty of country roads and art along the way.
- Central Studios - See a wide variety of artists with less driving, with downtown Uxbridge restaurants, cafés and shops nearby when you’re ready for a break.
- North Studios - Follow scenic country roads through the countryside and discover artists and studios along the way.
Of course, you don’t have to stick to one area. If the artists you want to see are scattered across the Tour, the free Toureka! app can help you find your way from studio to studio, no matter where your choices take you.
There’s no need to pack in as many stops as possible. Around five studios can make a wonderful full day, although you may visit more if your choices are close together. Leave yourself time to look, talk with the artists and enjoy whatever you discover along the way.
Step 3 - Make a Day of It
The art may be the reason you come, but there’s no reason to stop there! Build a coffee break, lunch, local shopping or a well-earned drink into your route and turn your Studio Tour adventure into a full September day out in Uxbridge.
Not sure where to stop, or how to fit it all together? We’ve already done some of the planning for you. Our curated day trip routes combine Studio Tour artists with some of our favourite places to eat, drink and explore, along with beautiful country roads and a few unexpected stops along the way.
Follow a route from beginning to end, borrow a few ideas or mix and match to create a day that’s entirely your own.
Step 4 - Arrive, Explore & Meet the Artists
You’ve arrived at your first studio, now what? Head on in, say hello and start exploring! There's no need to knock - you're our guest. Come on in. Take your time. Look around, ask questions and talk to the artists about their work, materials and creative process. One of the best things about the Uxbridge Studio Tour is the opportunity to meet the people behind the art and experience the places where it’s created.
See something you love? Artwork is available to purchase directly from the artists, but there’s never any obligation to buy. Come to discover, be curious and enjoy the experience.
Are you a selfie kind of person? Follow us on Instagram and, with the artist’s permission, share a few shots from your Studio Tour adventure! Don’t forget #UxbridgeStudioTour.
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Step 5 - A Few Things to Know Before You Go
You’ve chosen your artists, mapped your route and planned a few delicious stops along the way. Now you’re almost ready to go! A little preparation will help keep your Studio Tour day relaxed and enjoyable.
- Dress for the day. Wear comfortable shoes and check the September forecast before you leave. The Uxbridge Studio Tour happens rain or shine, and while most Studio Artists display their work indoors, some Guest Artists and outdoor artwork may have you exploring outside.
- Make restaurant reservations. Tour weekend is a busy one in Uxbridge, and local restaurants can fill up quickly. If there’s somewhere you really want to eat, make a reservation ahead of time whenever possible so you’re not disappointed.
- Bring your curiosity. Ask questions, explore the studios and talk to the artists. There’s no prize for visiting the most locations—the best Tour day is the one you enjoy along the way.
- Take your time and travel safely. Please use your own judgement when driving, parking and walking to studio locations, obey all traffic and parking regulations, and be mindful of road conditions, traffic, pedestrians, private property and other Tour visitors. Your safety is your responsibility, so take your time and never feel you need to rush from one studio to the next.
Still have questions about parking, accessibility, washrooms, weather or anything else? We’ve probably answered them in our FAQs.
Now You’re Ready for the Uxbridge Studio Tour!
That’s it, you’re ready! Choose the artists you can’t wait to meet, map out a few stops, make that lunch reservation and get ready for a fantastic September day filled with art, conversations, country roads and a few surprises along the way.
There’s no perfect way to do the Uxbridge Studio Tour. Follow your plan, change it completely, discover an artist you didn’t expect to love, linger somewhere longer than you intended and enjoy the adventure.
