From Trail to Studio to Gallery

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The path of inspiration behind artwork in support of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

Earlier this month, the five artists of Bruce Trail Inspired III returned from a creative reconnaissance retreat along the Bruce Peninsula, where we explored the landscape in preparation for our November 2026 fundraising exhibition in support of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (the third in this series).

Inglis Falls near Owen Sound with water flowing over layered rock ledges surrounded by forest.

Inglis Falls near Owen Sound — the first stop on our Bruce Trail Inspired III reconnaissance retreat, gathering inspiration and reference material for future paintings. May 2026

People often see the finished paintings on gallery walls, but not the journey behind them. Before a show comes together, there are hikes through forests and along cliffs, plein air painting sessions in changing weather, countless photographs (so many photographs!), notes scribbled while on trails and afterwards, and hours spent sorting, planning, and refining ideas back in the studio.

Artist Victoria Pearce standing at a crest along the Bruce Trail near the Grotto, looking out at the landscape where trail blazes are painted directly on the rock.

Artist Victoria Pearce taking in the view at a crest of the Bruce Trail near the Grotto, where navigation blazes can be found painted directly on rock.

White cedar tree along the Bruce Trail with exposed roots wrapping around stone in a unique, natural pattern.

This white Cedar seen at Pottawatomi Conservation / Jones Falls Area seems to be saying all is “A-OK.” I have been beguiled by trees.

This reconnaissance retreat was an important part of that process. We explored the landscape together, gathered reference material, and deepened our connections with each other and the places that inspire our work. It also reinforced why this exhibition matters.

The Bruce Trail is more than a hiking trail. It is a connected conservation corridor that supports wildlife, biodiversity, and our own connection with nature.

View from Georgian Bay looking toward the Grotto on the Bruce Peninsula, showing cliffs, bright blue sky, and clear turquoise water.

View of the Grotto from Georgian Bay. That water!! Those rocks!!

One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat was the growing sense of camaraderie among the artists and our hosts. Walking the trails together, sharing observations, talking through ideas as they emerged, and enjoying so many laughs, conversations, and moments of connection added a layer to the experience that will likely continue to shape the work in subtle ways.

Image shows the five artists who make up the Bruce Trail Inspired III collective. It is a candid selfie with Anne More, Cathy Lorraway, Rob Peachey, and Victoria Pearce smiling at the camera as Janet Jardine takes this selfie of them all.

Camaraderie: Bruce Trail Inspired III artists; Left to right: Anne More, Cathy Lorraway, Rob Peachey, Victoria Pearce, and Janet Jardine (taking the selfie). May 2026.

This year’s exhibition will be held at the Holcim Art Gallery within the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton from November 17 to December 5, 2026, with an opening event on November 21. I am honoured to take part in this fundraising exhibition alongside artists Anne More, Cathy Lorraway, Robert Peachey, and Victoria Pearce.

We’re looking forward to sharing the work that grows from this experience, and to continuing our support of the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s mission to preserve a ribbon of wilderness for everyone, forever.

After our second fundraiser in 2023, I wrote more about the conservation context in Connecting Along the Bruce Trail:
https://www.janetjardine.com/blog/janet-jardine/connected-connections/2023/12/8/connecting-along-the-bruce/bruce-trail-inspired-2

I look forward to sharing more of this journey in the months ahead.

All photos by Janet Jardine