North Simcoe artists have struggled throughout pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for everybody, and artists are no exception.

Cynthia Blair, a Tiny Township painter, was planning on attending 12 shows throughout 2020.

Instead, Blair was only able to attend one — The Bay Studio Tour. The popular event, which showcases artists and artisans throughout Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay, managed to hold a scaled-down event in early October.

About 200 people masked up and visited Blair’s studio over the course of two days to view her work, which is her preferred way to do business.

“Online is good, but I think art needs to be experienced in person,” said Blair. “There is an endless supply of art online. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.”

However, with the majority of art shows cancelled, Blair has been working to expand her online presence. She’s recently started to promote her work.

“This year, it’s important for artists to be online. You’ve got to get your work out there,” said Blair. “I am using social media in a much more concentrated way now.”

Along with having a ton of extra time to paint, the pandemic has given Blair the ability to focus on branching out online and improving her website .

While she was able to adapt, some local artists aren’t too adept at social media.

“There are a lot of artists who count on shows every year. Without them, you don’t get the sales that you normally would,” said Blair.

One of those artists is Midland’s Sylvie Huntley.

Huntley, who works with alcohol ink on ceramic tile and resin, was gearing up for an extremely busy 2020. Then the pandemic ruined her plans.

“I had 26 events booked. I was going to be branching out of Simcoe County for the first time,” said Huntley. “I had shows booked in Parry Sound, Muskoka and down in Niagara Falls. All 26 were cancelled.”

These cancellations were a huge blow to Huntley’s business. She isn’t too proficient at using social media to market and sell her work, and mostly relies on craft shows and festivals.

“My projected sales are down about 80 per cent; that’s based off how I did last year and where I was going this year,” said Huntley. “So, my revenue has almost entirely gone toward purchasing art supplies.”

In order to continue selling her work, she took the necessary steps to safety open her home up to interested patrons. 

“I’m keeping it positive,” said Huntley, who is known online as the . “By not having shows, I was able to spend a lot of time painting and learning new techniques.”

Huntley created 13 new paintings this year. She has taken those paintings — most of them picturesque views of Georgian Bay — and transferred them to coasters, trivets, scarves, place mats, calendars and more.

All of these products are featured in a pop-up studio in her living room. She will be taking appointments through to Dec. 6.

To contact Huntley, call . 

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the majority of area craft shows and events. So, reporter Andrew Mendler decided to check in with local artists regarding the impact of those cancellations.