According to legend, Vincent van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime. Of course, van Gogh had certain personality flaws that perhaps got in the way of his salesmanship (he did mail someone his severed ear, after all), but never underestimate the possibility of a good art fair to increase the public’s interest.
Today (June 15), for the eighth year running, the Art Round the Pond show returns to Wellesley Pond, giving both local and farther-flung artists a chance to show their handiwork in a scenic outdoor setting. From landscapes to abstract, from sewing to textiles, the event’s 40-plus artists promise to offer a wide spectrum of artistic expression.
![Art Round the Pond organizer MaryAnne Perry says the event offers a chance for visitors to enjoy the Wellesley Pond.[will sloan / the observer]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/news-pond.jpg)
“You want to see what talents people have, and how they express themselves,” said Jean Horne, organizer of the event. “We have more artists at this point that we have before.”
Organizer MaryAnne Perry added, “We have the ABC (Apple Butter & Cheese Festival) in the fall – to have an event in the spring balances it off nicely.”
Art Round the Pond was a brainchild of the late Marg Runstedler, a Wellesley resident who hoped to clean up and take better advantage of the village’s pond.
“I think just the fact that she wanted something around that pond, and felt it warranted some events like that where creative people could gather,” said Horne.
Over the years, the event has attracted regular participants – Perry cites jewelry-makers Allen Ryan, Mary Ann Helmond, and Diane Iovanov are local favourites – as well as aspiring artists from as far away as London and Mississauga. Horne has kind words to say about Skylar Stockie, a 10-year-old artist who specializes in black-and-white abstract expressionism, and who will be selling her work at the fair for the first time. “I found her in a school where I was supply [teaching], and she was keen,” said Horne.
New this year, the fair will welcome artist Lesley Prange for a textile craft demonstration between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will also be a sidewalk sale, button making, flower pounding, and a silent action.
Wellesley is not a township generally known for its arts events, but for the last eight years, this event has managed to attract a bevy of artists from within its borders, revealing some hidden talents.
“I’m not surprised, because I think everyone’s got a little artist in them – it’s just a matter of who wants to actually put themselves out there,” said Perry.
Art Round the Pond takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about the event can be found at www.artroundthepond.ca.
