Tag Archives: Winery

Pelee Island Plein Air with Friends

It was my first trip to Pelee Island, Canada’s most southern Post. I am so blessed to have good friends. My Plein Air group the Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Artists is chock full of wonderful people.  I could not be more grateful.  One of our members and incredible artist Vera Graham, invited the group to spend the night at her cottage.  Two of us, Kathy Hudak and I, were able to take advantage of her generous offer. 

A large backhoe barely fits in the Jiimaan hold.
A large backhoe barely fits in the Jiimaan hold.

It was an early day Monday.  We had to be at the Leamington dock by 9:00 to board the Jiimaan Ferry to the island.  It’s amazing what this vessel holds!  A huge backhoe on a trailer bed, large trucks, a garbage truck, a cherry picker lift, and many other smaller vehicles. 

 

 

Life jackets ... check Life boat ... check
Life jackets … check
Life boat … check

It was a full and heavy load.  The ferry listed on the Port side from the incredible weight of the trucks.  I’m sure she was never in any danger of capsizing, but I was very grateful for calm seas.    Just to be sure I made note of the life jackets and lifeboat locations! 

 

 

 

Bon Voyage!
Bon Voyage!

Once we’ve boarded we headed up to the deck to watch the boat leave the harbour.

The one and a half hour cruse was pleasant.  The brisk breeze was refreshing.   I could hardly contain my joyous anticipation of what the two days ahead would hold for us.

 

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OOps!  We got into a bit of trouble.  We walked down a set of stairs into a restricted area.  Well they didn’t have any signs, and the steps were not roped off!  How were we supposed to know?  The equipment was just so COOL!

OOps!  Ship's hand chased us out of here, but not before I got this great photo of a huge winch.  They need better signage!
OOps! Ship’s hand chased us out of here, but not before I got this great photo of a huge winch. They need better signage!
We reach the Island docks.
We reach the Island docks.

First order of business snacks! Chips, salsa and Pelee Island WINE!

Relaxing on the beach.
Relaxing on the beach.

Then off to paint.

 

The rest of our 2 day painting holiday was filled with a great beach bonfire, nighttime thunder storms, hiking on the beach, hiking in the woods, sack lunch at the winery, snacks at the cottage,  and good friends.

Chairs positioned to catch the last rays of the day.
Chairs positioned to catch the last rays of the day.

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Monday’s sunset is an incredible light show.

No trip to the cottage is complete without a good campfire.  One on the beach is the best!
No trip to the cottage is complete without a good campfire. One on the beach is the best!

 

Tuesday’s tour of the island saw that Monday night’s storms flooded much of the farmland.


A walk through the forest at the south west end of the island.

The southern most tip of Canada, which is the south west tip of Pelee Island.

The harbour lights signal we are home again.

DSC_9600A beautiful end to a wonderful 2 days.  Sunset on the north shore of Lake Erie.

Upcoming June & July Events

Click on images to enlarge.

I spent two blissful days on Pelee Island, but now it’s time for me to buckle down and let everyone know what’s happening in the near future.  June has already been a busy month, but there is still more to come.  July kicks off many events in Windsor and Essex County.  There are festivals everywhere.  Amherstburg hosts many summer events.  My group, The Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Artists, will be part of Amherstburg summer activities.  The Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg, Ontario will host our member’s exhibition during the Month of July.

One of Windsor’s best events is the Walkerville Art Walk & Rock street festival.  The streets are closed and Walkerville businesses open their doors and host the work of area artists.  You can dine at one of the many great restaurants, or sit and listen to tribute bands as you sip wine and nibble on hors-d’œuvre on the patios.

Last but definitely not least, I’m doing it!  For  many years I’ve arranged group shows, and never had time for my own solo show.  Well this is the year I finally get out there and present my work at the Artspeak Gallery.  Do come out and see what I’ve been up to this past year.

Paint out at the Lavender Fest

June 27th & 28th is the annual Lavender Fest at North of 42° Winery and Lavender farm.  Link to their website:  http://www.serenitylavender.com/category/events/

My group the Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Artists are invited to paint in the lavender fields during the event.  We will be there on Saturday June 27th from 10 until 5

Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Artist Group Show

at the  Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg.

July 7th to August 1st.

Meet the artists reception Sunday July 12th Noon – 5:00

Website and Map to the: Gibson Gallery

Exhibition & Sale

Extreme Outdoor Painter, Elizabeth MacDonald

Solo Show Artspeak Gallery, Arts Council of Windsor & Region.  July 20th – 25th

Two Day Reception during the festival Walkerville Art Walk & Rock July 24th & 25th.

Questions?  Feel free to contact me:

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