Nature's Millworks

Helen and Paul Crysler, owners of Nature's Millworks in Paisley, are giving artists of every age the opportunity to display their work.

When the Cryslers purchased the old mill in the winter of 2000 in Paisley, it was with a vision. Paul took early retirement from a teaching career at Upper Canada College in 2002 and work began in earnest on renovating the mill. From top to bottom, the building needed everything ... new windows, insulation, floors ... to bring the building up to today's standards. Today, the elegant old building is filled with art, books and crafts - each unique from local artists, artisans and writers.

On Friday, August 15th, Nature's Millworks hosted a very special art show opening. Until September 1st, the show features the works of accomplished young artists in addition to others, such as those from the Elmwood Starz group of artists, that range in age from 12 to 88.

Victoria (L) and Kathryn Loucks are artistic twins

Two artists whose works are on display are the Loucks twins. These 14 year old twins, Kathryn and Victoria, from Chesley, Ontario are alike in more ways than one.   Each is an artist and also a musician.  While Katherine prefers to work in acrylic paint, pen and coloured pencil, Victoria much prefers pencil drawings.

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(L) Mother Katherine, daughter Alex, father James and son, Courtlandt Swartz - a family of artists

In addition, featured artist, Courtlandt Swartz at only 15, recently had a one-person show at the Southampton Art Gallery. From a family of artists, including his father James whose artistic creations lend themselves to 'bigger than life' pieces, Courtlandt and his younger sister, Alex, are also beginning artists with a future.

Elmwood Starz feature works of artists of every age

The Elmwood Starz group of artists, from the little village of Elmwood and area, are also exhibiting at the gallery with works from every age group from 12 to 88. Bonnie Becker-Messerschmidt, a young mother whose son Alex is already a renowned poet, is herself an artist whose works have been juried and recognized.
 

All these artists, and more, are now showing their work at Nature's Millworks in Paisley, east of Saugeen Shores, until September 1st