New book celebrates Tremont building and its artists

A new book about the Tremont in Collingwood celebrates the building’s heritage, the people who saved it from demolition and the artists who work there today.
Tremont Studios: Art & History features local artists known in the community.
The 128-page book is a beautiful, colourful journey that chronicles the history of the Tremont House as a former railway hotel built in 1889 to its present-day restoration as an artistic hub, home to 12 artists. Tremont Studios: Art & History showcases the unique and varied artwork in full-colour spreads of the Tremont’s talented studio artists: John Wallace Burton, Jane Fleetwood-Morrow, Bill Franks, Lisa Hannaford, Kaz Jones, Anke Lex, Kara McIntosh, Andrew Peycha, Patricia Russell, Jim Stacey, Bryan Wall, and Jenn Wilkins.
The origins of this book took root in the early winter months of 2021 during yet another long COVID-19 lockdown. The Tremont artists came together as a collaborative group and envisioned a book that would pay homage to the building, document its past and preserve its future.
“Coming together by Zoom during the early COVID-19 lockdown, the current Tremont artists decided to work on a book that would highlight the Tremont building and the artists that call it their creative home,” said McIntosh. “It was a wonderful way to stay connected and collaborate on a special project that pays tribute to the Tremont Studios as a creative hub within the vibrant arts and culture community of Southern Georgian Bay.” 
The book is co-published by Creemore’s Curiosity House Books.
“I was approached by the Tremont Studio artists in the early spring with their idea to create a book that would showcase the work of the current artists, and share the history of a landmark building: Tremont House in Collingwood,” said Rina Barone, of Curiosity House Books. “I came on initially as the editor and project coordinator, and the more involved I became with the group, I realized it was a really special book and I was happy to be a part of it, so when the opportunity arose to become co-publisher with Tremont Studios, it was a natural progression. We were very pleased to continue that relationship. The book is a great fit for us, as our publishing mandate is to tell local stories, and this is one great story to tell. We’re very proud of this book – it was a true collaboration with everyone involved.” 
A book launch will be held Thursday, December 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Simcoe Street Theatre and Press Gallery, at 65 Simcoe St., Collingwood.
Tremont Studios: Art & History is published by Curiosity House Books and Tremont Heritage Properties. Books sell for $40 and will be available as of December 1st at Tremont Studios and Curiosity House Books. Pre-orders can be made through www.curiosityhousebooks.com. The book was made possible by a number of generous patrons from the Southern Georgian Bay area.