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Mini Arts Tour aims to help local artists recover from pandemic

'I’m very excited to be able to share my art with the community again,' says Oro-Medonte painter and participant in July 17 event in Orillia
Susan Redoler
Oro-Medonte artist Susan Rudoler is excited about participating in the Orillia Fine Arts Association's Mini Arts Tour later this month.

After a full calendar year of cancellations, art tours are starting to return around Orillia.

The Orillia Fine Arts Association (OFAA) will be hosting their inaugural Mini Arts Tour on Saturday, July 17 from 1 p.m. till 4 p.m.

“The OFAA decided that because so many things were cancelled last summer that we would hold our own tour this summer that will comply with all COVID regulations,” explained board member, treasurer, and acting membership chair, Mary Jo Pollak.

Most of the tour exhibits will be outside, and people are encouraged to walk the six-block tour that starts on Peter Street and ends on Nottawasaga Street.

“We actually have the Mark IV café and the Golden Beaver café as participants who are giving out 20 percent off coupons so people can enjoy beverages while on their tour,” Pollak said.

The tour will help local artists after a long year in which community events were cancelled.

“Our mandate is to help our members display their work, and that’s what we are doing with this tour,” Pollak said.

“Maybe this is something we can expand upon in future years, but for now, we are starting simple.”

The Mini Arts Tour will feature 10 different artists including Oro-Medonte painter Susan Rudoler, who will be set up at Mark IV Brothers café during the tour.

“I’m very excited to be able to share my art with the community again,” Rudoler said.

“This is a passion of mine and I enjoy doing it for myself. However, none of us live in a bubble, we need to connect, we need affirmation, and we need to see people that we haven’t in so long.”

Rudoler says she needs to participate in community events to get unbiased feedback on her work.

“It’s important to hear what people like about your work, and I really miss that aspect,” she said.

Community events and art tours also help local artists take their careers to the next level, she noted.

“These events help artists like myself get exposure and get our name out there. It’s just nice to be known,” Rudoler said.

For more information on the Mini Arts Tour, click here


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Tyler Evans

About the Author: Tyler Evans

Tyler Evans got his start in the news business when he was just 15-years-old and now serves as a video producer and reporter with OrilliaMatters
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