Art lovers will outnumber the deer population this weekend with the annual Gabriola Studio Tour.

More than 60 studios will showcase the work of more than 90 artists on Gabriola Island in the 12th annual event this Thanksgiving weekend Oct. 10-13.

Painters, poets, dancers, writers, musicians and actors inhabit the island, giving Gabriola one of highest concentrations of artists in Canada.

People interested in jewelry making can see, smell and touch a jeweler’s bench and see how the little tools create jewelry out of metal and semi-precious stones.

Those interested in textiles can see wool go from sheep to loom; others can see paintings that grace national and international collections; photographers with pictures of the Dali Lama, Robert Redford and the kids down the street; to potters creating functional art and works of whimsy can be found in one of Gabriola’s studios.

One-third of the artists are brand new to the tour this year.

The studio tour is self guided. A brochure is available with studio descriptions and a map at B.C. Ferries, art galleries, libraries or online at www.gabriolaartscouncil.org.

The brochure includes information on local eateries, plus lists studios open year-round, so art enthusiasts can take advantage of Gabriola’s creative community throughout the year.

The tour kicks off Friday (Oct. 10), 7 p.m., with a celebration of youth artwork at YSpace, located at the Gathering Place, 790 North Rd.   

Then it’s off to the Skol Pub for Jon Bone and the Karuna Movement, a reggae/funk group, beginning at 9 p.m. Admission $5.

The studios are open Oct. 11-13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

For more information, please e-mail info@gabriolaartscouncil.org.