Archives – Past Events-2021

_{We set up on the rocks as it warmed up to 18C at Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve for our weekly plein air. This location is an important ecological link between Lake Muskoka and Severn River on Crown Lands protected by the Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario). Interspersed with wetlands, treed uplands, and bedrock the Barrens is habitat for 150 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and 500 species of flowering plants, and now …. a favourite spot for artists of the Bala Plein Air Group.}

_{We took our canvases and paintbrushes around the trails at on the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. Cranberries need the cooler nights to turn red. Fun Fact: Most of the cranberries harvested here are used to make wine.}

_{One of the greatest joys of Plein air is painting together, inspired by a shared scene of light and objects, but all having different observations and artistic interpretations. Just 7.5km from Bala off of Hwy #38, Ragged Rapids (aptly named) with a plethora of trees leaning into the rapid flowing Moon River over shores of granite.}

_{The shore of Lake Barrett provided a great backdrop this Wednesday morning after rainy night. Thank-you to Bush’s and the What Wake Park, a water-ski cable park 2km north of Bala on Hwy 169. Hundreds of cottagers learned to wake board and water ski here this past summer, Rick Mercer filmed a segment here (2015), owner/operators Micky and Pete won Amazing Race Canada (2014) and now BPAG artists (2021) have painted here too!}

_{We gathered under the railway bridge in the historic spot formerly known as the Government Wharf in Bala where the steamship terminal and train station connected summer passengers at end of summer vacation in Muskoka. We imagined then and now in our art.}

_{Followed the footpath underneath the railway bridge around to the red Muskoka chairs on Bala Bay Dock and sketched, did water colour, acrylic and shared our work on the red Muskoka chairs}.

A productive day at the Torrance Barrens – oil and acrylic. We hosted a plein air workshop with Sam Paonessa.

_{The Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve What an awesome place to immerse in raw nature. Flat rocks and trails overlooking ponds, colourful fauna, unusual trees are a plein air artist’s treat. It is a popular spot for astronomers, hikers, and snakes!}

August 18, 2021 – Moon River Bala Generating Station

_{Where Lake Muskoka meets the Moon. 3105 Hwy 169 – North side Bala Falls Generating Station viewing platform. Thank-you to Swift River Energy Ltd for the hydro plant tour and use of deck and chairs!}

AUGUST 11, 2021 – Kee to Bala

_{Bala Falls Road is home of the iconic Kee to Bala, formerly Dunn’s Pavilion. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry played at this famous Muskoka Dance Hall. Next door, the Bala Falls Pub, Jack and Stella and Second Life Restoration (furniture) now fill out the Bala Falls Road streetscape.}