08/08/2026
Opportunity to be part of the story of the Thanksgiving Studio Tour! https://www.messenger.com/ch/AbYbCx61QIXWTLGz/?join_source=cm%3Axma
From the lead of the Tour 30 committee-"Art Speaks – Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Hey, Kathy Ramsey here!
I've been lucky enough to know so many of you over my nearly 20 years with the Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour—as a gallery owner, Arts Council President, and one of the Tour's biggest cheerleaders.
Later, during my years as President of Arts BC, I had the chance to meet arts organizations from every corner of the province. Again and again I'd hear how extraordinary the Gabriola Studio Tour is. They'd marvel at its longevity, its community spirit, and the depth of talent here—and yes, they were more than a little envious! It made me realize that what we've built together over 30 years is something truly special.
Now it's time to capture those stories.
Art Speaks is creating a living oral and visual history of the Tour, and we'd love your voice to be part of it.
It's easy!
Using your phone, simply record yourself answering one question per video from our list of conversation starters.
There are no rules—just make it feel like you.
You might:
chat straight to the camera
record while you're working on a piece
wander through your studio
film outside in your favourite spot
gather a few friends for a round-table conversation
record a voice-over while showing your artwork or old Tour photos
Mix it up! One video in the studio, another at your workbench, another while walking the dog—whatever feels natural.
A few tips
Keep each video to 1–3 minutes.
Hold your phone horizontally (landscape) if you can.
Speak naturally—we're after stories, not speeches.
Don't worry about perfection. A laugh, a pause, or the dog barking in the background just makes it real.
Most of all... don't overthink it!
We'll make you look good.
What we're really hoping to capture are the memories, the funny moments, the surprises, the friendships, the challenges, the lessons learned, and your hopes for the next 30 years.
This isn't about polished performances.
It's about preserving the voices of the people who made the Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour what it is today.
So grab your phone, pick a question, have some fun with it, and let your story become part of the history.
We can't wait to hear your voice.
Upload your videos and photos:
http://bit.ly/4vMkgqO
Questions?
[email protected]
Please note: By submitting your materials, you give the Tour 30! Committee permission to use excerpts of your words and images (with credit) in exhibitions, publications, social media, and other Tour-related communications.
Thank you for helping preserve the story of 30 years of art, community, and creativity.
bit.ly
bit.ly
