Artists and Artisans of the Watrous-Manitou Beach area had their work on display for two days on Saturday and Sunday.

The annual Spirit of Manitou Studio Trail took place, with 16 displays set up in Watrous, Manitou Beach and Meacham.

There was also two farms near Watrous and Meacham that had work on display.

Sarah McKen of the Little Manitou Art Gallery says that there is lots to see each year.

"Everything from acrylic paintings, oil paintings, mural artists, sculptures, quilts," she noted. "I make bronze sculptures and my partner is a carver. Also chainsaw carvers. There is a beautiful selection."

McKen says that her craft is unique in the fact that she creates it all herself.

"I make bronze sculptures. I am one of the few women who cast their own sculptures. You might meet some who say they make their own, but really they send it off."

McKen moved to the area four years ago, and she says she has been involved ever since.

"This is our fourth year being involved in the studio trail. The gallery itself, we got involved with the local art, and Little Manitou Art Gallery has been in full operation, I would say, for the last two years."

The trail is unique in that it not only allows art enthusiasts to get out and see different displays but also take in the countryside on their travels.

Work that was on display over the two days included:

  • Watrous - Sandy Christensen, Nellie Kwiatkowski, June Ferguson, Frank Wilson, Toni Ambrose, Helen Herr
  • Farm west of Watrous - Linda Leslie
  • Manitou Beach - Four Feathers, Little Manitou Art Gallery, Knotabadburl, Michael Gaudet, Bryan Mierau, Ginay Lietz
  • Meacham - June Jacobs, Grandma's Cedar Chest
  • Farm south of Meacham - Concrete Elements

The studio trail has now been running annually for ten years.