Studio by the Lake is an intimate art studio nestled directly along the shores of Eagle Lake in Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands, just west of the village of South River. Set along Park Road South between Mikisew Provincial Park and the Hockey Opportunity Camp, the studio is the creative home of local artist Margaret Cunningham, who spent summers cottaging on the lake since childhood before making it her full-time residence.
The space sits tucked into the tranquil waters of Sunny Bay, an idyllic inlet framed by rugged Canadian Shield rock, windswept pines, and gentle freshwater shorelines. What makes the studio distinct is how tightly woven it is with the surrounding cottage country life. Visitors often arrive by car, but many pull right up to the private dock by canoe, kayak, or small motorboat while exploring the lake.
Inside, the gallery reflects that exact environment. The artwork focuses heavily on local nature, bringing the shifting moods of Eagle Lake onto canvas and paper. Cunningham works primarily in vibrant watercolours, textured acrylics, and pastels, depicting everything from quiet nearby islands and reflective water to birch groves and autumn foliage. The pieces move between realistic landscapes and soft, expressive impressionism, giving cottagers and travelers a chance to take home an authentic slice of the north.
Far from a commercial gallery in the city, Studio by the Lake offers an unhurried, welcoming escape. Hearing the water lap against the dock while looking through fresh paintings turns a simple visit into a quintessential Almaguin Highlands tradition. It serves as a peaceful creative landmark for the Eagle Lake community, celebrating the raw beauty of northern Ontario through a neighbor’s eyes.