Welcome to Calling In the Muse, a delightfully diverse collection of painting, poetry, sculpture, collage, drawing, multi-media art, music and video by 20 creative souls from the Open Studio community (past and present).

Throughout this show you’ll see, hear and read a spectrum of interpretations and responses to the invitation of “Calling In the Muse” - a practice we do at the start of all Open Studio sessions. This invitation is both the way; the process, the act, the invitation of creating… and the creation; the work, the manifestation itself. It’s a ‘calling in’ of creative inspiration, and the gift created by its embodiment. (Don’t miss our Artist Statements for more insight into this exploration.)

The style and variety of this exhibition expresses the guiding principles of Open Studio: We are all creative. Our unique presence and creations are celebrated equally, with respect, curiosity and kindness, regardless of our training or experience. Every word, song and brush stroke is offered with heart and soul. (Keep your eye out for the creations available for purchase. It’s a great thing to support artists!)

We gratefully acknowledge the stewards of the land we created on: the Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron-Wendat and Mississauga peoples (S. Ontario); the Kw'amutsun, the Qwum'yiqun', the Hwulqwselu, the S'amuna', the L'uml'umuluts, the Hinupsum, the Tl'ulpalus and Coast Salish (B.C.); and the Haudenosaunee and Seneca (N.Y.).

Thank you for visiting. May this show aMuse you, put a smile on your face, and inspire you to find your OWN Muse.

Message from Erica:

To Laurie, Brianna, Brenda, Andra, Evelyn, Lisa K, Nan, Piera, Amanda, Gintare, Valerie, Julie, Tersh, Honey, Lisa R, Sarah, Anna, Jessica and Jeannie, thank you for saying yes to my invitation to co-create this inaugural exhibition, and sharing your authentic gifts, your Muses, and your trust in my vision!

Big love and thanks also goes to Lisa K, Jeannie, Evelyn, Laurie, Tersh and Amanda for being my ‘village’ - supporting this project in any way needed. And lastly, my heart over-flows with gratitude to Lisa Kemp for her humble generosity - helping me track all the files and tasks, as well as creating our stunning slideshow (premiering at our Salon) and posters. Lisa, you’re a rockstar!

Creating Calling In the Muse has been an honour, a labour of love, from beginning to end. Here’s to making art in community!

Please note: We have a Guest Book near the bottom of this page. We’d love for you to sign it.

Our Collection:

To take a closer look at each member’s work, profile, artist statement and bio, click on their grid image.
To come back here and keep exploring, find the RETURN button at the bottom of each page.

*All work in this exhibition is copyright protected. No downloading or copying in any form, or for any use, is allowed, unless permission has been granted. Thank you!

Your kind messages will be appreciated.

Join us in Open Studio!