Community partnership produces first-ever festival of art in Windsor

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

NovaNewsNow.com



Hants County artists will get an opportunity to showcase various works at an upcoming first-ever festival of art. The event will be at the Pisiquid Canoe Club during the Sam Slick weekend in Windsor Aug. 3-5.

Event coordinator and artist David Howells says the festival of art is anticipated to receive an excellent public turnout, with between 25-30 local artists being showcased at the event. It’s expected the annual Sam Slick celebration will work as an added bonus to bring people into the area. “One of the biggest things all artists are looking for is recognition,” he said.

The festival of art should become an annual visible and accessible show providing a better sense to the public about the amount of talent in the local creative community, Howells said. “Right now I don’t think most people know about the strength of our art community, but for those who do know it’s a real treasure.”

The newly formed Hants County Arts Council, in association with the Pisiquid Canoe Club, will host the festival and both groups encourage as many people as possible to attend. The event will go from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 3; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5. Wine and cheese will be served with an admission fee of $5 opening night. Guest speaker Mayor Anna Allen will attend.

Showcase two great groups

Paul Beazley, president of the Pisiquid Canoe Club, spoke with enthusiasm while envisioning out loud a relaxing evening of wine-tasting and strolling among artwork.

The artistic talent and the new canoe club facility should be given awareness by the public, Beazley said.

“The festival of art will showcase two great groups during our Sam Slick weekend and it’s important for the economy of the entire town to display our waterfront in an exciting light.”

Vice Chair Lynne Kirumira of the Pisiquid Canoe Club says raising awareness for the waterfront also draws attention to the successes of the Canoe Club. “The club is growing and becoming more vibrant with an increased membership of 50 per cent in the last three years, but with the growing interest an increasing demand for funds is present. Therefore, the art show exposes the club to much-needed attention.”

Pat Gould-Thorpe, community specialist with the Hants County Arts Council, says the event should be a positive experience for everyone involved. “It makes me proud to know there’s so much talent and pride in the community. The number of skilled artists in our community is simply amazing,” she said.

The Pisiquid Canoe Club and the Hants County Arts Council appreciated all recognition and funds they’ve received to this point. These two groups specifically want to acknowledge Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage for a grant received by the Hants County Arts Council, and New Valley Homes as the first corporate sponsor for the Pisiquid Canoe Club. Donations help to keep both groups running strong and allow for events like the festival of art to be possible.