Middleton's Art From The Heart Oct. 11-14

Nova Scotia's rich creative culture is coming into full color, along with the beauty of fall in the Annapolis Valley. Between October 11-14, Middleton is host to an event that will draw attention to the areas art and cultural community.

The sixth Annual Art from the Heart is a four-day event that has grown to include over 50 different stops where hundreds of art creations, unique artistic services and supporters of the arts will emerge into the spotlight. Area artists, business operators and service providers have come together to create opportunities for visitors and residents to learn more about the talented art force thriving in their neighborhood. The result is a smorgasbord of program, events and activities offering something artistic for all ages and cultural interests. Organizers Susan Macdonald and Diane Axent of Middleton's Community & Economic Development Department, say that this year's event is bigger than ever.

"Participate at any of the unique venues, visit an artist studio, have a unique-to-the-area artistic experience or just buy a locally created item," suggests Axent. "Then you'll be supporting the critical component artists add to our community."

The past popularity of this event gives no doubt to the fact that a fast growing and creative artistic community is emerging out of the Valley. The area is attracting a wide range of artistic and creative people, and in many cases, their businesses as well.

"It's important to recognize that arts and culture provide a valuable tool for an areas growth," says Axent. "That alone will directly impact economic development and the many valuable leisure time opportunities an area has to offer."

Examples of new venues added to this year's program are the spiritual arts, healing art of meditation and sharing circles, music, business open houses, art stuff and hidden treasures yard sale, tea with artists, history and architecture walking tours, community displays plus unique artistic and expressive workshops.

Back is the Heritage Dinner with a menu of Rappie Pie or Creamed Lobster. which was held on October 11. It's prepared in conjunction with the Macdonald Museum and local churches. All the trimmings included live dinner music with well known musician Tom Berry.

The Art of Words is where local published writers will read and book sign on Thursday and Friday Oct 11-12 evenings at Blue Griffin Books. Aspiring or published writers are also invited to a free afternoon social at the Falcourt Inn on Sunday, Oct. 14 afternoon. The public is encouraged to bringing something to read or just come enjoy the reads.

Three Paths of Feminine Spirituality exhibit will open at Apple Pie Pottery on Friday, Oct. 12 plus the public is invited to visit any of the other area studios and business/service locations over the four days ­ each promoting unique artistic venues. The Macdonald Museum will have displays, demonstrations and artists in residence with beautiful art for sale over the weekend.

An Art from the Harp concert will be held Friday evening, October 12 at the Middleton Baptist Church, with harpists and singer-songwriters Jennifer and Ardyth. Then for a lively interactive children's program, there will be a Saturday afternoon, October 13 live performance at the fire hall with songwriter, musician and eclectic entertainer Tom Berry.

Reserve your table Oct 13 for 'Play it Again' with Dave Hankinson and Barry Hawkins ­ a musical evening and dinner at Falcourt Inn, Nictaux.

Visit on line at www.town.middleton.ns.ca or pick up a flyer at business locations. Call 825-5500 for more information. Also, watch for an Art from the Heart participant sign advertised in store and studio windows in the Middleton and surrounding area October 11-14. Flyers have a map showing directions to artist studio open houses and other art venues, as well as giving more detail about each event. Definitely, when driving down the road, make a turn in when you see a red wooden heart on a four foot pole. It's announcing a venue location worth checking out.