Art Scene

lifestyle magazine online london

"The third new addition to the Doors Open"

ust as autumn brings an explosion of colour to Southwestern Ontario, so does it usher in a new season of programming for many local arts groups and organizations.

Doors Open London and Culture Days return October 1 and 2 at various London locations.

Doors Open London is administered by the London Heritage Council, whereas Culture Days is administered by the London Arts Council. The two joined these programs to help maximize public participation.

The free event features over 100 arts and heritage activities across 40 sites throughout London.

Ryan Hunt, marketing and digital strategies specialist for both councils, touts three new experiences that have been added this year.

The first is a tour of the London Normal School. Located at 165 Elmwood Avenue East in Wortley Village, the school is an excellent example of High Victorian public architecture.

The second is a tour of the Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) whose 200 hectare size and variety of natural habitants make it a jewel in London’s urban crown.

Dhira Ghosh, events coordinator for the arts and heritage councils, says the tour is designed to “bring attention to London’s natural heritages.” Events will include tree identification, guided hikes, and a discussion of future changes to Westminster Ponds.

The ESA’s five kettle ponds, beaver pond, and lowland and upland habitats can be accessed off of Commissioners Road East via Western Counties Road.

"Fall in love with area arts scene"

lifestyle magazine online london

The third new addition to the Doors Open/ Culture Days weekend is a Mini London Artists’ Studio Tour which offers a twostop taste of the much larger spring event.

The self-guided mini-tour includes the London Clay Art Centre, 664 Dundas Street, and Metal in Fusion, 630 ½ Lorne Avenue Seven Tour artists will be present at each location along with a selection of their work. Artist discussions on process will run throughout the weekend.

Lest you think that Culture Days is only in London, be aware it is also a signature event on the Elgin Arts Trail where members invite the public to “create, participate and share.” The Trail is a year-round experience, but it really ramps up for Culture days when its members offer three days, they start September 30, of interactive events and workshops.

Don’t miss this once-a year behind-the-scenes peek at the working places and spaces of local artists, creators, historians, architects, and others. This is a fun event for the whole family.