Those whose job it is to promote Muskoka love to claim it has a huge art community. After visiting the Muskoka Arts and Crafts Spring Members Art Show last night, I can see what they mean. The talent of those who live and create here is simply amazing. I was surprised by how many people I saw that I knew, but didn’t know were artists. I also caught up with some faces from the past who I knew were artists, but had never seen their work. The show continues over the weekend and is well worth a visit. Muskoka Arts and Crafts is a non-profit organization that is celebrating 50 years of bringing the work of artists together with those who love it. Like many great things, it began as a simple idea of trying to have a summer arts and crafts sale to give visitors to the area something new and different to do. That has blossomed into a huge annual show which has become one of the most anticipated events of the season here in Muskoka and is not to be missed. They also produce an artist’s guide which is distributed all over Ontario and beyond, host several art shows during the year, run workshops and have a year round gallery (Chapel Gallery) in Bracebridge. As a fledgling gallery owner, I am very fortunate to have been welcomed into the fold of this wonderful organization. I’m really looking forward to becoming more involved in this community of talented people, getting to know them and their work and hopefully helping to bring the product of their passion to even more people. For more information on Muskoka Arts and Crafts, visit muskokaartsandcrafts.com