Wellesley’s annual Art Round the Pond show is set for June 19, but this year’s show will be different from previous years, and certainly different from your typical art show. Committee members saw a need to shake things up a bit, and have put a bit of a modern twist on the event, broadening the range of art forms to include live music by local musicians, handcrafted jewelry and even graffiti artists.
“We try to shy away from the word ‘craft,’ as it makes people think of popsicle stick birdhouses and things like that,” Art Round the Pond committee member Jeff Quint said with a laugh. “We are broadening our definition of art and trying to showcase the one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces.”
This year, being Art Round the Pond’s fifth anniversary, organizers are planning for the biggest event thus far. Visual artists, potters, photographers, quilters, musicians and more will be showcasing their talents at this one-day original art exhibition and sale. The 40-foot graffiti wall will surely be one of the highlights for youth in the area.
“Our local youth group is really interested in graffiti art, so the group coming in is a street-legal group of artists. They can show the group here where and how they can do it properly.”
With more than 25 artists and artisans from across Ontario showcasing and selling their works, five local musicians to show off their talents, a graffiti art demonstration by Ean Kool and Jay Woodfield, children’s activities by the Inspiring Minds Early Learning Centre and the ever popular silent auction, the event is sure to be a busy one, so long as the weather holds out. Quint said Art Round the Pond’s attendance had been dampened over the last few years due to uncooperative weather, and this year the organizing committee has secured a backup location in case of rain.
“If it’s raining that day, we will move into the Wellesley Arena,” he explained. “We would rather not because it sort of goes against the ‘around the pond’ bit, but we have to be flexible.”
Art Round the Pond is an excellent opportunity for artists to showcase and sell their work, said Quint, noting there is still room for vendors who wish to get involved. It is open to all artists of original, handmade arts and crafts, including, for instance, painting, photography, sculpting, carving, pottery, weaving, blown glass, and stained glass, jewelry and textiles. Any unique handmade artwork will be considered. Work made from commercially pre-fabricated kits or mass-produced goods will not be accepted.
“It can’t be a mass-produced item,” explained Quint. “It has to be handmade, handcrafted. If you purchase an item at the show, you know that you have the only one.”
Proceeds from Art Round the Pond go to the continued support of the arts in Wellesley Township. The event will be held June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Wellesley Villatge. For more information, check out www.artroundthepond.ca.
