“Between the two of us we cover a broad spectrum,” comments Jon Partridge about his and his wife’s art.

  Suzanne specializes in outdoor sculptures, a natural extension of her passion for gardening, by creating sculptures such as clay birdbaths and fountains. The above picture is Suzanne's work "Grace in the Garden". These serve a dual purpose, being used outside in the summer, but then brought inside for the winter to be used for such things as displaying floating candles or special flower arrangements.

  “One person told us that they use their birdbath at parties for serving cheese and crackers,” Jon says.

  Sixty percent of John’s work is functional stoneware – platters, casseroles, teapots, serving dishes and the like, all ovenproof, and dishwasher and microwave safe, too.

  Both Jon and Suzanne are original members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, though Suzanne’s main venue is the Artful Garden show. Held the last week of July and the first two weeks of August, the show takes place at their home located just outside of Bracebridge. During those 3 weeks their garden and grounds are turned into an outdoor gallery, with art exhibited all around the flowerbeds and large pond, and numerous fountains on display. “People like how comfortable and relaxed it is,” explains Jon.

  “The Artful Garden concept was Suzanne’s,” Jon continues, explaining that it was the result of an exhibit held at the Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge some years ago. They had created an indoor garden, complete with pond and paths, to show off the art. It was so successful that they decided to have an outdoor show in a real garden.

  “Last year we had 26 artists displaying their works,” Jon states.

  Jon also contributes his work to this show, sometimes helping create the bases the fountains, with Suzanne adding her sculptured lily pads and frogs. Jon also displays his own large outdoor tiled clay murals at the show

  Both trained at Central Tech in Toronto, choosing that school over Ontario College of Art “because it was more hands-on,” explains Jon. He finished 2 years there, then went onto Georgian College to specialize in pottery, while Suzanne stayed at Central Tech for a third year.

  They moved to Muskoka in 1974 and have been sculpting and creating here ever since.

  Their studios are located 2 km west of Bracebridge on Hwy 118, on Partridge Lane, which is off of South Monck Drive. Open from Wed.-Sat. 10-5 June to August, but at this time of year it is by chance or appointment. Ph. (705) 645-8618 or email: pottery@muskoka.com