With an explosion of colour and creativity
July & August, 2019 – MUSKOKA ON
Over twenty years ago, Suzann Partridge and a group of 10 artist friends participated in a show for Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge. Held in early spring that year, the show featured works of garden decor and was wildly successful, which sparked an idea for Suzann – why not hold a show in her family’s gorgeous gardens during the summer? Thus began the Artful Garden!
Now, for the past 22 years, the spell-binding gardens of Suzann and Jon Partridge have been host to the Artful Garden – a dazzling outdoor gallery featuring hundreds of works in different mediums by roughly 40 artists.
While the Garden has been a seasonal must-do for locals and art lovers from all over, this year is definitely not to be missed – because this will also be their final summer!
Cheers to the incredible hosts, Suzann and Jon Partridge
After being such amazing hosts for so many summers, Suzann and Jon are looking forward to a little break. They’ll miss the Artful Garden, of course – Suzann says that they’ve loved welcoming artists and patrons over the years, and particularly enjoyed taking in the one-of-a-kind, wildly unique, and crazily creative pieces artists have brought. But, they are excited about having a couple of days off in the summer, they say, and having some time to travel and spend with family.
Although this is the final season for the Artful Garden, this definitely isn’t the last you’ll see of the Partridges. Suzann and Jon, who actually met during art school years ago, also have their own studio on the grounds. They will never stop making their own art, Suzann reminds us, even if they do slow down a little.
In fact, art lovers will find them this fall among the stops for the long-running Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour (which may be the oldest studio tour in North America, by the way!).
Top Tips for Visiting
Show dates:
- July 20th to August 11th 2019
- Open Daily 10am-5pm
Based on our visit and their amazing input, we compiled a list of tips to help you maximize your visit – which includes:
- When you arrive, head just past their entryway and look to the right for parking spaces.
- Entry is by donation, so bring some toonies (or even something a little bigger) to leave behind and show your appreciation.
- We, of course, recommend wearing sunscreen when you visit. However, Suzann points out that there’s plenty of art-filled structures to explore and beautiful willows casting shade around the grounds, so you can rest for a moment away from the sun.
- Suzann has observed that their busiest times during the day seem to be between 11am and 3pm, so they recommend coming first thing when they open or towards the end of their hours.
- Please no personal pets, as only service animals are allowed.
- Lastly, although visiting can feel like you’re in your very own personal dreamland, it’s important to remember that this is an art show first and foremost – and to keep that in mind when interacting with the artwork.
With hidden treasures and delights awaiting you in every nook and corner, the Artful Garden is one of the most magical places you’ll ever visit – and it’s right here in Muskoka. Make sure you go before it’s finished its final bloom!
Stay and Play
Make the most of your Muskoka experience and check out our top recommendations for places to stay and perfect getaway packages.
Content produced in partnership between Muskoka Tourism and the government of Ontario
