Local Artist Profile - Romantic Designs

In preparation for Culture Days this weekend we are featuring a submission from Romantic Designs Artist Studio.  They have programming on all weekend from September 28-30 and there has never been a better time to pick up a brush and let your artistic side expand.

After retiring from the Military in Ottawa, Major Daniel Brassard and his wife Sharon, chose St. Thomas to set up their home and Romantic Designs Artist Studio.  Their studio is situated at the crossroads of Wellington and Princess street, adjacent to the Whistle stop Trail, in a quaint wooden building with plenty of free parking.  Romantic Designs Artist Studio is a side by side Gallery/Gift Shoppe and Classroom and has been open for 8 years and continues to draw tourists and students both locally and beyond. They credit their success and wide stretching net of interest to three things Versatility, Accessibility and Communication. Dan is a multi-media painter and Sharon is a sculptor.  Where they come together is their subjects which range from Celtic and Medieval, Fantasy and Folklore.  “It was part of our business plan – to create a niche- something that would pull in customers from both home and abroad.   Dan says. “We are opened all year round - offering a variety classes each month that are all-inclusive and diversified with a customer reward program. More bang for your buck”.

​The Brassards’ are more than just good business partners and have often been referred to as a ‘Two Person Artist Guild “. Their acclaims are global. Their paintings and sculptures have been shipped to various locations throughout the United States and Europe with one of Dan’s’ paintings winning a ribbon at The World Fantasy Convention.  They have designed and won trophies on Parade Floats and have been active participants in a number of Ontario sponsored Art Programs.

 “When we get visitors/students from as far as Windsor, Toronto and Owen Sound, we ask them why us? Its always the same answer- “What you offer is both different and affordable – its unique and worth the drive.”  That’s a good thing-  because when they were looking for a location 10 years ago they determined that "St. Thomas has everything we are looking for.”

Long standing participants of The Goderich Celtic Roots and Robin in the Hood Festivals, Sharon and Dan also bring their art on the road at summer outdoor festivals. “Our Powertex Celtic Dancer was a big hit last year at the Goderich Celtic Roots Auction…. and our Dragons always draw a lot of attention.” 

Whether it’s a gift for someone special, a day out to explore or a destination to bring your visitors from out of town or trying your hand at Watercolor class …. A visit to ROMANTIC DESIGNS ARTIST STUDIO is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Classes and Workshops -  Painting in Watercolor, Pencil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Pastel, Oil, Alcohol Inks, Mosaic.  Sculpting in Powertex, Polymer Clay, Fibre
 
​Gallery and Gift Shop - Plenty of free parking with a well-lit lot day or night and Handicap access to washrooms and classes