Oxford Studio Tour 2026 set for Saturday, May 2, Sunday, May 3 
 

Linda Takacs is in the happy majority who enjoyed a positive relationship with her mother-in-law.
 

Not only did the late Ava Takacs play an undeniably significant role in the creation of the first love of Linda’s life, her husband Ron, Ava also invited her to accompany her to Linda’s first pottery class, introducing a second long-term relationship.
 

“I just kind of got addicted to it and have been doing it ever since,” said Linda, of an affinity lasting close on 50 years, featured in the 2026 Oxford Studio Tour for the first time.
 

The Princeton-based Takacs is one of five newcomers among 23 displaying their unique creative visions in 17 different media across 11 locations Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A complete list of artists, contact information, location maps and descriptions of their work is included on www.oxfordstudiotour.ca or in glossy, full-colour pamphlets available at art and tourism-related sites in and beyond Oxford County. Those seeking further information are welcome to call the Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre at 519-842-6151.
 

Takacs does some slab pottery, but focuses mostly on thrown work on the wheel, enjoying the creative process of bringing what essentially is a lump of clay to life.
 

“That’s the best part.”
 

She prefers creating ‘functional things’, decorate items which can be used every day. And while there is a consistency to her approach, she finds subtle differences when firing up her wheel.
 

“I have different ideas and do different things.”
 

Ron can rest assured he’s number one in Linda’s heart. And not just because he relocated his basement shop, building additional storage to accommodate his wife’s growing passion. Although admittedly, that probably didn’t hurt.
 

“I need him,” she laughed.
 

Woodstock-based Ruth and Bruce Hartley are another cooperative marital duo, Bruce bringing his complimentary photographic skills to his wife’s passion for functional stoneware and decorative porcelain, uniquely styled mugs, tableware and wearable art.

“The band is back together,” smiled Bruce, rejoining the tour he spent 10 years on after a COVID-induced hiatus, due to the fact it limited travel which forms the basis for his photography.
 

“You realize you are missing something,” he continued, not only of the work, but the opportunity to connect with the broader artistic community. They are supportive of each other’s efforts, he taking photos of Ruth’s creations, she helping inform the visual elements of his photos. Beyond that, Ruth leveraged an argument that since Bruce was there ‘schlepping’ her wares anyway, he might as well join in and bring his talents to the shared initiative.
 

“He’s much more talkative than I am.”
 

Unspoken communication and connectivity found in the confluence of wildlife and nature lies at the heart of Monique Gerber’s oil and mixed media paintings.
 

“For me, it’s about connection,” said Gerber, a first-time Oxford Studio Tour participant whose background is as an equine wellness coach based out of the Embro area. One of five artists on display at the Station Arts Centre, Gerber strives to evoke emotion her lived experience indicates is associated with finding one’s authentic self through interaction with horses, wildlife and natural settings. A bit of zen if you will, to go along with visual appreciation.
 

“It’s about having that authentic connection we all share. I hope my paintings can also bring that into the home.”
 

One of four artists who will be located at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, Margaret Charron continues to build toward a 2028 showing in conjunction with her 90th birthday. Beyond traditional watercolours of nature, still life and silhouettes, on this day she was sharing a split-personality interpretation of clouds backdropped by blue sky.
 

“It's a cloud study which also looks like an abstract,” said Charron, who enjoyed interpreting the fluid manner in which clouds form and move. Some see faces, people or birds, in this high-altitude ballet, Charron found artistic inspiration. 
 

“You look up and it grabs your attention.”
 

The Oxford Studio Tour was founded two decades-plus ago when the idea of expanding a regional Welcome Back Otterville initiative grabbed the attention of a visiting Woodstock-based weaver. Long-time professional watercolour artist Sue Goossens responded, and as well as one of its founders, remains an active supporter under the broader Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre umbrella.
 

“I love having people come to the house,” says Goossens, whose paintings have continued to evolve through her own artistic journey. “I enjoy seeing how I can push the limits and try different things.”
 

Many different things will be on display through this year’s tour, a range including oil, acrylic, watercolour and encaustic paintings, hand-turned pens, stained glass, handmade jewellery, ceramics, pottery, gourd art and photography. If there is a consistent theme however, it would be a platform celebrating creativity while fostering artistic growth within the county.

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“I think that matters,” said Station Arts Centre social media lead Cailey Coderre. “It’s a place to let both existing artists like Sue and new artists grow and thrive and connect to community.”
 

For Oxford residents, it’s a hyper-local opportunity in their own backyard. For both they and those hailing from further afield, it’s a chance to take in the county’s rural beauty, stop for a meal, stay for a night. The tour is free, inclusive and open to all ages Coderre emphasized, extending an invitation to celebrate the advent of spring following a particularly long and brutal winter against an artistic backdrop.
 

“Whether you want to celebrate art with your kids, enjoy a pleasant weekend in retirement or just explore the creativity which exists right here in Oxford County.”