Tent Dwellers outdoor arts festival

From Sept. 17-24, concerts, plays, and workshops will celebrate the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of Southwest Nova Scotia.

One of the main features of the Arts Festival are the free workshops.

“It was important to us to make the arts as accessible as possible and for the public to explore their interests without worrying about their wallets,” commented Festival Organizer Phaedra Charlton-Huskins.

Vicki Cameron and Brennan Caverhill will deliver two separate photography workshops, each with their own unique focus on nature. Recently published author Joanne Jefferson will help people unleash their inner writer and artist Paul MacDonald will guide painters through the wilderness of paint and brush. For those wishing to gather up some inspiration, Nova Scotia Environment will lead a group on an all-day paddle on Sand Lake allowing artists of all skill levels the chance to take photographs and make some sketches. Those wishing to take part in the paddle should call 902-350-1753, as space is limited.

Several performances around the region have also been pulled together. They will include a play about species at risk, a benefit at the Astor Theatre on Sept. 20, Old Man Luedecke, Bernie Legg and Friends, the Annapolis Basin Community Band, and a Country and Bluegrass Jam done in tribute to well known guide Grover Wilcox.

Milford House, which is hosting the writing workshop, is also organizing a rug hooking gathering the weekend of Sept. 19-20.

Rug hooking enthusiasts of every skill level are invited to come share their stories and learn from Barbara Leduc, a certified teacher with the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia. Spaces are filling up, so interested parties should contact Elizabeth McMichael at 902-532-2617 or e-mail milford.house@ns.sympatico.ca.

Visitors to the Queens County Fair can also take in a Tent Dwellers display there and at the end of the Arts Festival, the winners of the Tent Dwellers Photo Contest will be announced.

Detailed information can be found on the Tent Dwellers website: www.tentdwellers2008.com or the public is also invited to call 902-350-1753.