I am a visual artist (painter & printmaker). I'm wondering what community(s) are known to be most 'artsy'. I plan to visit PEI for a month next July. Thank you - Gary

Dear Gary,

Thank you for your question to Ask an Islander.

There are several wonderful communities I would consider "artsy" with both wonderful artists and amazing scenery to inspire.

On the Points East Coastal Drive, I would start with the Wood Islands Lighthouse Museum. A lovely stop to take pictures, paint and tends to be popular with painters.

I would carry on to Murray River and Murray Harbour, full of artisans, giftshops and creative individuals, it still holds a wonderful quaint fishing village charm. The Murray Harbour Farmers' Market is a must.

Three Rivers, known also as Montague, Georgetown and Cardigan is an artisans delight. Montague the beautiful holds that name for good reason, with Artisans Waterfront, you will have a wonderful time chatting with fellow painters and possibly a printmaker also. In Georgetown, find Peter Llewellyn at Shoreline Designs. A character with endearing qualities, he is every aspect of a traditional Island soul and has an amazing talent. He will likely recommend you walk across the road and meet up with the Maroon Pig and their owners. Very talented and a lovely shop. The village is a painters haven for the older homes and coastline. Cardigan has Canada's smallest library, a wonderful harbour and amazing restaurants.

Souris is known for beaches with scattered amounts of seaglass. Visit Oh Fudge - PEI Potato Fudge and owner Patricia MacLean will be delighted to point you in the direction of key places to visit for inspiration. After visiting the Artisans on Main Souris visit Basin Head, East Point, North Lake Harbour, Greenwich, Naufrage Harbour, Rock Barra Artist Retreat, St Peters and Blooming Point.

Other sites not to be missed would be Orwell Corner and Point Prim Lighthouse. 

In the Central Coastal Drive area there is Borden-Carleton, most certainly Victoria By the Sea, Brackley Bay, North Rustico, New Glasgow and Kensington would be some recommendations.

The Joy of Watercolour in this area with the awakening spring colours will make you fall in love with painting all over again. You will enjoy Painting Montgomery's Island. Maybe you would rather have the experience of taking several pictures to work from in your down time, the Picture Perfect views of the Island will give you many unique pictures to work from.

Victoria By the Sea, Brackley Bay and North Rustico hold so much charm. Check out Island Chocolates, Birch Tree Gallery, Michael Stanley Pottery and the Studio Gallery in Victoria. In Brackley Bay area visit Dalvay by the Sea,  The Dunes, Moonsnail Mercantile, Brackley Bay Oyster Company, The Great Canadian Soap Company and Shaw's Hotel.

In North Cape Coastal Drive, check out Summerside, Tignish, Alberton, O'Leary, Lennox Island, Tyne Valley and Abrams Village. Lots of local visual artists with a focus on landscape, lighthouses, harbours and wildlife.

I hope this helps a little with your vacation planning, I would be delighted to help with any further questions you may have.

Happy vacation planning,

Erin Davis