After wet weather in Wellesley forced last year’s Art Round the Pond event indoors, organizers are hoping the sixth-annual show set for June 18 can live up to its billing. “Last year it was a bad forecast and we went inside and it became Art Round the Arena, which took away from the pond aspect,” laughed Pat Bremner, a member of the organizing committee. “We’re certainly due for some good weather.”
This year’s event should be bigger than ever, with dozens of artists, artisans and vendors from across the province setting up shop around the pond for a day of artistic demonstrations, free music and a passion for the arts.
“Our vision initially was to involve the community in art and to help promote art in the area for young people, adults and families,” said Bremner.
One of the participating artists this year will be Christina Mikel, a Wellesley painter who practices a centuries-old method of painting called Encaustic, a technique used by Greek artists as far back as the fifth-century BC. It is a type of painting which is composed of beeswax, resin and pigments and involves the application of the melted wax or resin to a surface such as wood or canvas. The wax is then fused and re-melted along with the paint to create a unique effect.
“I think the arts are always important,” said Mikel, whose father was a graphic artist.
“Everyone is so caught up in work and computers and stressed, and I find artwork is a way to be creative and to remain connected to nature and the creative side of your brain.”
The event is open to all artists of original, handmade arts and crafts, including painting, photography, sculpting, carving, pottery, weaving, blown glass, and stained glass, jewelry and textiles – any unique or handmade artwork will be considered.
Work made from commercially pre-fabricated kits or mass-produced goods will not be accepted.
There will also be a graffiti wall and demonstrations available for kids and adults alike to learn the sometimes forgotten art of graffiti artistry, along with demonstrations by other artists throughout the day, as well as a silent auction.
And the day isn’t just reserved for art lovers either, Bremner stressed.
“People can just sit around and listen to the music, they can shop or just talk to the artists and engage with them by asking questions.”
And while it’s nearly impossible to predict what the weather will be like next Saturday, the show will proceed rain or shine.
Art Round the Pond is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Wellesley Village next Saturday, June 18. Proceeds from the event will go to support the arts in the township.
For more information visit www.artaroundthepond.ca.
