“My work is all over the property, so you can just pick a bear out of the trees,” says artist and sculptor Elizabeth Robinson about her sculptures. Made of high-fired stoneware clay and coated with durable stains and glazes for protection from the elements, the sculptures depict various types of Muskoka wildlife in playful poses.

  Besides bears in many forms and sizes, (they average 12 to 15 inches high) there are raccoons, including baby raccoons and families, moose-heads, mice, bunnies and other wildlife.

  “I have a sign that says the gallery is outside, so visitors are free walk to walk around and view the exhibits,” explains Elizabeth, adding that she also has a small, indoor showroom for rainy days.

  A resident of Muskoka since 1999, Elizabeth Robinson has her home in the old Glenwood Chapel in Glen Orchard, which she renovated to serve as both home and studio. A graduate of the University of Windsor, where she studied creative arts, Elizabeth learned her stoneware technique at Georgian College.

  Her clay sculptures of bears and other Muskoka wildlife are all hand carved and hollowed out. Referring to them as garden and cottage sculptures, Elizabeth designs them to hang on the trees and from corners of buildings.

  “They can take the rain and the frost, but I bring them in at Thanksgiving,” she says.

  Whimsical and endearing, they have proven very popular. “I’m always making something new – different animals and sizes and poses,” she admits.

  Elizabeth exhibits at many local shows, including the annual Annie Williams Park Show in Bracebridge, (Friday, July 19^th, 10am-7pm, Saturday July 20^th & Sunday July 21st, 10am-5pm) and the Artful Garden show, taking place July 27th to August 17, daily 10am to 5pm.

  She also takes part in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, taking place this year September 28th and 29^th.

  Her gallery is located in the old Glen Chapel in Glen Orchard at 1021 West Whites Rd., just off highway 169. Look for the blue Ontario tourism signs. Open June to September, Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5pm. Other times by chance or appointment. 
Ph. (705) 765-7729.