I’ve had a lot of people tell me I should be on the Apples and Art Studio Tour this year. And they’re right, in a way. I used to believe my job was to make my art accessible to everyone—that if I just showed up, they’d be blown away, see my art as worthy, and throw money at me. I’d pretend to be a big wig, doing the tour all too well knowing “exposure” never panned out. My tours felt like a performance—a way to act like a professional while avoiding the tough conversations about worth.
But I’m changing that.
On September 27–28, 2025, art lovers will hit the back roads to watch paint dry—literally—and meet the makers. Apples & Arts Studio Tour is when SD&G turns into one big open studio. People wander barns and river roads, tracking down work that speaks to them.
If Lancaster is on your route, here’s what you’ll find—and one stop you won’t see on the brochure.
Lancaster Artists Not To Be Missed
Image credit – Apples And Arts Studio Tour
Lancaster & South Lancaster Artist Highlights
As you navigate the tour, here is my personal, curated list of artists doing remarkable work. These are the stops I would make, but won’t—because, frankly, bumping into crowds of locals and wandering into someone’s private home makes me super uncomfortable. Or is that just me?
Stop 29 – Cynthia Gatien Studio & Guests
Cynthia is known for vivid florals and layered interiors. This year she’s hosting Lynne Ayers, Deirdre Cuggy, Meaghan Cuggy, and Sharon McDonell—a crew mixing painting, sculpture, and ceramics.
Stop 30 – Margaret Brown’s Pottery Studio
Margaret’s stoneware is built to be used and loved for decades. Sharing her space: Michael Hermann (wood and clay) and Nancy Zink (textile and fibre art).
Grab the official 2025 Apples & Arts brochure and map to chart your day. Seriously though, plan the event because these studios are not a hop skip and a jump from one another. Its more like a few dozen marathons.
My art isn’t for weekend crowds; it’s for real, breathing humans who are also tired of playing nice at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
Cherry Bomb Studio: Off the Map, On Purpose
I’ve shown during Apples & Arts before. And while I’m grateful for what I learned, it became clear my work needs a different kind of home. The event felt like a performance—a way to nod and smile while my inner voice kept saying, enough. I’m done performing. My art isn’t for weekend crowds; it’s for real, breathing humans who are also tired of playing nice at work, at home, and everywhere in between. That’s why I’m skipping the open-door marathon. Instead, I’m keeping one quiet evening for people who want an honest connection before these pieces head to Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. If that hits, sign up—the evening is for people who actually give a shit.
So I’m opening Cherry Bomb Studio in Lancaster proper (29 Railside Rd., Lancaster ON) during the same weekend—but not as part of the tour.
Here’s the plan:
- Daytime (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) – I’ll be in the art studio finishing the hanging. You’re welcome to look around, see the new pieces, and join my newsletter if you want the private catalog when it drops.
- Evening (invite-only) – The collector preview happens after hours. The digital catalog and invite go only to people on the list.
This isn’t about foot traffic. It’s about creating room for collectors who know what they want.
About Sara Léger & This Year’s Apples & Arts Weekend FAQ
Are you on the official Apples & Arts map?
No. This year I’m keeping it independent for a reason. Half of my new work is heading to Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona for representation, and I don’t have two full days to sit in an open studio. This weekend is a short window for loyal collectors to see and secure pieces before they leave the country.
How do I get into the private collector preview?
Join my collector list. A week before the event, subscribers will receive the digital catalog, full evening details, and a private invite. Only those on the list get this information—think of it as the key to the door.
Can I buy during the day?
Yes. Daytime hours are technically behind-the-scenes while I’m setting up for the evening preview, but if you see a piece you want, you can reserve it on the spot with a 50% deposit. Serious collectors often choose this option to make sure a piece doesn’t disappear before nightfall.
What happens at the private collector preview?
The evening is an invite-only sales event, designed for serious collectors who want first access – including a small, luxury thank-you gift—details are emailed only to those who receive the catalog.
How do I get into the private collector preview?
Join the newsletter. That’s the gate to the digital catalog and evening invite.
Not on the Map. Still Worth the Stop.
An evening of art for people who actually give a shit.
Why Make the Stop
Lancaster proper sits perfectly between Cornwall and Alexandria. Whether you start at 125 Pitt, Marlins Orchards, Cline House Gallery (all amazing stops because they house so many artists) or wrap up there, my studio is an easy detour—and a chance to secure gallery-level art ahead of their release through Xanadu Gallery’s upcoming season.
Be First to Get the Catalog
Join my collector list to receive the digital catalog and your private invitation to the evening preview.
The catalog will drop a week before the event—only subscribers get it.