Lucy Ogletree is a Canadian folk artist. She grew up in Thamesville, Ontario and currently resides on a beautiful 5 acre property just outside Sparta, Ontario. Her residence, known as Winter Wheat, is also the site of her studio and store. Winter Wheat is a magical, tranquil, whimsical piece of serenity tucked away in the woods.
It has been described as “an oasis in a busy world” and you do truly feel like you’ve entered a new, better world when you step foot into it. I’ve never left Winter Wheat without feeling a little more joy in my heart and a little more peace in my soul.
Lucy’s artwork celebrates rural life, simple pleasures, nature, and the seasons. Some are based on more realistic depictions of these while others clearly come from Lucy’s vivid imagination. There’s often a child-like feel to her art and it frequently reflects a sense of humour. Lucy’s paintings make me smile every time I look at one.
Lucy’s husband Mike is involved in the creative process as well – he carves and assembles most of the three-dimensional statues and figurines at Winter Wheat, which Lucy then paints. Lucy and Mike are wonderful at recycling too, using such things as old door knobs, metal bed springs, oil cans, tea kettles and more in the artwork.
In these “out buildings”, Lucy and Mike always have coffee, tea, and cookies available so that you can sit down and relax for a bit while enjoying the surroundings.
I’ve always felt very connected to Lucy’s work. I have several pieces in my home and whenever anyone comes to visit, I love to take them to visit Winter Wheat. I recently found out that Lucy and I have another connection besides her art. Like myself and many other artists I have become acquainted with, Lucy has major health issues to contend with. She has struggled with anxiety and depression since age 5 when her father was killed in a car accident. Creating art and creating beautiful gardens have been her source of healing. I wonder if she knew when she created them that they would both become sources of healing for me and so many others who come to visit Winter Wheat.
Pictured above, Lucy’s own depiction of her beloved Winter Wheat.
Bev Mossman says
Hi Cyn thank you so much for sharing this wonderful Lady and her safe haven.
Hugs and Love Beverlee ( Bev).
Colleen LeRue says
I”ve visited Winter Wheat with my daughter who lives in London Ont. I myself live in N.S. so
enjoy Winter Wheat when I visit my daughter. I have Winter Wheat hanging on my kitchen wall and never get tired of the stars shining in the night sky.