I took a stroll down the main street of Picton and found myself drawn into a small but vibrant art gallery called County Creative Gallery and Studio.
Nestled between two restaurants and boutiques, this little art gallery is bursting with creativity, and possibly more color than my sock drawer (which is saying something).
I was greeted by Fred Rutherford, the studio’s resident artist and tour guide extraordinaire.
Fred is one of 28 Canadian artists in the gallery, along with his wife, Artist Lori Meeboer, and they are the gallery curators.
Fred’s enthusiasm was contagious, and within minutes, I was immersed in a whirlwind of brushstrokes, stories, and artistic flair.
He explained that the studio showcases work from artists spanning across Canada, but the entire roster consists of Canadian artists. Apparently, creativity knows no geographical bounds, or traffic on the 401.
There are 8 local artists putting paint to canvas, expressing the beauty of Prince Edward County.
The gallery itself is cozy, like a warm hug from a rainbow. Fred walked me through two standout sections:
- “Little Love” – a showcase of work from up-and-coming young artists. Think bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and the kind of imagination that makes you wonder if you’ve been doing adulthood all wrong.
- “Local Love” – a heartfelt tribute to artists from Prince Edward County and surrounding areas. This section felt like a visual love letter to the region, with pieces that capture everything from windswept fields to the quirky charm of the county.
Fred also shared some of his own artwork, including a serene beach scene that made me want to cancel all meetings and head straight to the Sandbanks Provincial Park. Another piece, a close-up of the moon, was so detailed I half expected it to start orbiting.
The whole experience was a delightful mix of inspiration and humor. Fred’s stories added layers to the art, and his passion for the local creative community was evident in every corner of the gallery.
If you ever find yourself in Picton, do yourself a favor and pop into County Creative Studio. You’ll leave with a smile, a few new favorite artists, and maybe even a renewed sense of wonder. Just don’t ask Fred how he got the moon to sit still for a portrait—some secrets are best left to the artists.
This art studio is just one of many cool artistic stops, and I highly encourage you to follow the Arts Trail here in Prince Edward County.
